Verbeek, J. (Jan) (2015) The relationship between executive functions and successful on-field performance in talented youth soccer players. thesis, Sport Sciences.
Full text available on request.Abstract
Executive functions (EF) involve functions such as working-memory, inhibition and cognitive flexibility. Recent evidence acknowledges the importance of executive functions for scoring goals in senior soccer players. In soccer, important abilities such as the recall tactical game strategies and quick adaptation to game constraints are facilitated by features of executive functions. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate the importance of executive functions, in particular cognitive flexibility, for successful on-field performance in talented youth soccer players, by examining the link between executive functions and match and tactical skill during small-sided games. In total thirteen talented youth soccer players (mean age 16.6 years) participated in this study. Executive functioning was assessed with the Design Fluency test, measuring visual-spatial working memory, inhibition and cognitive flexibility. Match skill was defined as passing and tactical skill defined as positioning. The talented youth soccer players scored high on the executive function test compared to their agematched peers (12.1 ± 3.5). Results found no significant correlation between players’ level of executive functioning and match and tactical skill. However, significant positive correlations between cognitive flexibility and successful passing and forward passing were found. Cognitive flexibility seems to benefit the selection of passing options. It can be concluded therefore that well-developed cognitive flexibility is important during successful on-field performance in talented youth soccer players.
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Huijgen, B. and Frencken, dr. W.G.P. and Olthof, S. |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 15 Apr 2022 14:15 |
| Last Modified: | 15 Apr 2022 14:15 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3114 |
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