The effects of task constraints on visual search behavior and decision-making skill in youth soccer players

We examined differences in visual search behaviors and decision-making skill across different microstates of offensive play in soccer using youth participants (13.0-15.8 years) varying in skill and experience. We used realistic film simulations of offensive play, movement-based response measures, an...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of sport & exercise psychology 2007-04, Vol.29 (2), p.147-169
Main Authors: Vaeyens, Roel, Lenoir, Matthieu, Williams, A Mark, Mazyn, Liesbeth, Philippaerts, Renaat M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior - psychology
Analysis of Variance
Attention - physiology
Belgium
Choice Behavior - physiology
Cognition - physiology
Decision Making - physiology
Eye Movements - physiology
Fixation, Ocular - physiology
Humans
Male
Motor Skills - physiology
Psychomotor Performance - physiology
Reaction Time - physiology
Soccer - psychology
Task Performance and Analysis
Videotape Recording
Visual Perception - physiology
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:We examined differences in visual search behaviors and decision-making skill across different microstates of offensive play in soccer using youth participants (13.0-15.8 years) varying in skill and experience. We used realistic film simulations of offensive play, movement-based response measures, and an eye movement registration technique. Playing experience, skill level, and the unique constraints of the task, expressed by the number of players and relative proportion of offensive and defensive players, determined both the observed search behavior and processing requirements imposed on players in dynamic offensive team simulations. Significant differences in performance were observed between players and nonplayers and across three groups of soccer players who differed in skill level. Implications for talent identification and development are considered.
ISSN:0895-2779
1543-2904
DOI:10.1123/jsep.29.2.147