Mathijsen, M. (Merle) (2021) What is happening? Visual exploration in elite youth soccer players. thesis, Sport Sciences.
Full text available on request.Abstract
Introduction: Visual exploration can help a player to make the best decisions during a match. Previous research found that visual exploration during a soccer match can be linked to several performance parameters. However, there are still a lot of domains within visual exploration that need to be explored. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine what central defenders from under-16 (U16), under-18 (U18), under-21 (U21) and the first professional team (T1) are exploring visually during official matches. Methods: The central defenders of U16, U18, U21 and T1 were participants in this study. Video-analysis of official matches was used to code visual exploration. Visual exploration was coded 10 seconds before and during ball contact in different directions: overview field, opponent, team player without ball and free space (all in scans/s). Also, total scan frequency was calculated. Several Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to find differences between age categories as well as to find individual differences. Results: Individual differences in visual exploration were found before ball contact, except for the players of U18. During ball contact, almost no individual differences were found. Before ball contact, significant differences between age categories were found for all variables. U16 showed more visual exploration than U18 and U21. This was mainly related to the direction overview field where U16 showed more visual exploration. During ball contact, only differences in visual exploration towards the team player without ball were found. T1 showed more visual exploration in this direction than the other teams. Conclusion: This study provided some first insights in age differences in visual exploration. There are indications that younger players look more for an overview of the field and older players look more at team players without the ball. Keywords: Soccer (football), perception, visual exploration, talent development
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Zaal, dr. ir. F.T.J.M. and Norel, J. van |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 13 May 2022 12:43 |
| Last Modified: | 13 May 2022 12:43 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3307 |
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