Vries, D. de (Djura) (2017) The amount of visual exploratory behavior of professional soccer players during training exercises and matches, and its relation with performance. thesis, Sport Sciences.
Full text available on request.Abstract
The specific purpose of this study was to determine the difference between training exercises, based on the amount professional soccer players engaged in visual exploratory behavior (head and/or body movements prior to receiving the ball), and to what extend it differs from matches. Furthermore, we aimed to assess the relationship between visual exploratory behavior frequency (VEBF) and performance, to identify possible differences between playing positions based on VEBF, and to what extent game contexts influenced these behaviors. An observational study design was implemented and conducted over the first half of the competitive season. VEBF was assessed in six players (two defenders, two midfielders and two forwarders) during training exercises and matches, by means of close-up video footage. Performance was defined by assessing whether the pass or action executed by the player ended up with ball possession for the player’s team or not. Results revealed that during rondo’s, passing exercises and ball possession games, VEBF was significantly lower compared to small-sided games, tactical games and matches. No significant differences in VEBF were found between small-sided games, tactical games and matches. Furthermore, very strong correlations were found between the mean VEBF of the players and their (forward) pass completion, and maintained ball possession. Finally, results revealed no significant differences in VEBF between defenders, midfielders and forwarders, and VEBF was significantly higher on the first third of the pitch compared to the final third. In conclusion, the results support that visual exploratory behavior is closely linked to performance, i.e., the more soccer players explore, the better they perform. Since there were no training exercises that exceeded the amount of visual exploratory behaviors that were seen during matches, performance benefits may be obtained by practicing these behaviors more intensely. The findings emphasize the need for interventional studies, with the aim of developing training exercises in which soccer players are stimulated to engage in visual exploratory behavior. Keywords: Visual perception; Athletic performance; Visual exploratory behavior frequency; Sport; Exercise
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Huijgen, dr. B.C.H. and Frencken, dr. W.G.P. |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 11 May 2022 09:57 |
| Last Modified: | 11 May 2022 09:57 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3277 |
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