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Roca A, Pocock C, Ford PR. Exploring decision-making practices during coaching sessions in grassroots youth soccer: a mixed-methods study. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2024:1-8. [PMID: 39230328 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2024.2399011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Decision-making ability in players during match-play is mostly acquired through practice activities with the same underlying structure as competition. However, researchers have not fully investigated how coaches design practice sessions at the participation level of the sport (i.e. 'grassroots'), or why they use a particular activity at a specific time point. This study explores the practice activities employed by youth soccer coaches at the participation level in England and aims to understand their underlying intentions. Twelve male coaches working with players aged 9-11 years across ten clubs in the London region participated. Thirty-five practice sessions were filmed and analysed to assess the proportion of time spent in activities involving 'non-active decision-making' (e.g., technical practices, fitness training) versus 'active decision-making' (e.g., small-sided and conditioned games, skills practice with realistic opposition). A brief on-field interview with the coaches about the session purpose took place immediately after each systematic observation. Coaches allocated similar amounts of time to activities with active (M = 41%) and non-active (M = 42%) decision making, with the remaining 17% being transitions. There was a common progression from non-active decision-making activities early in the session towards increased active decision-making later in the session. Interviews with coaches revealed a belief in the necessity of frequent non-active decision-making practices for technique development, despite potential disparities with improving match performance. Findings highlight a potential gap between scientific understanding and coaching practices for young soccer players at the participation level, suggesting implications for coach education programmes and the optimisation of player development strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Roca
- Research Centre for Applied Performance Sciences, Faculty of Sport, Technology and Health Sciences, St Mary's University, Twickenham, London, UK
| | - Chris Pocock
- Institute of Applied Sciences, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - Paul R Ford
- Research Centre for Applied Performance Sciences, Faculty of Sport, Technology and Health Sciences, St Mary's University, Twickenham, London, UK
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How Football Players' Age Affect Passing Patterns of Play According to Field Location. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10010157. [PMID: 36670707 PMCID: PMC9856864 DOI: 10.3390/children10010157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize the passing patterns that support collective tactical behaviour in football players of different ages (U15, U17, and U19) in different field zones. Two hundred and twenty-eight male players, divided into U15, U17, and U19, participated in the study. Cluster analysis was used to group the passes into three sizes (short, medium, and long). The chi-square test was used to analyse the effect of player age on game-passing patterns in each field zone. The results revealed that long and medium passes were used more in areas close to the goals and short passes in the middle area of the field, concerning all ages (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the analysis of the relative distance between the ball carrier and the receiver indicated that older players (U17 and U19) used more distant players to pass the ball in medium and long passes. These results can help coaches design small-sided games according to the players’ ages and adjust to the field’s space and the numerical relationship, thus creating a greater transfer from training to competition.
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Effects of Age and Playing Tactics on the Individual Tactical Behavior in U10 and U12 Elite Spanish Soccer Players. Sports (Basel) 2022; 10:sports10110185. [PMID: 36422954 PMCID: PMC9693199 DOI: 10.3390/sports10110185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this paper was to explore the effects of age and playing tactics on the individual tactical behavior and performance in young soccer players. A total of 1247 individual possessions during 16 knockout matches from LaLiga Promises U12 tournament (n = 621) and LaLiga U10 Iscar Cup (n = 626) were analyzed by observational methodology. Multilevel and multivariate logistic regression models were created to explain the interdependent effects of age category and playing tactics on the individual tactical behavior and performance. Youth players performed most of their actions against defensive pressure (72.5%), during offensive support (91.3%) and receiving the ball facing forward (62.6%). The most frequent action was to receive and pass the ball (69.6%) and the level of offensive success was 56.9%. The multilevel mixed models revealed that U10 players presented higher odds of running with the ball vs. passing the ball (OR = 1.823; 95% CI: 1.333−2.493; p < 0.001) and lower odds of achieving offensive success (OR = 0.698; 95% CI: 0.525−0.928; p < 0.05) than U12 players. Regarding playing tactics, technical-tactical dimensions such as the players’ body shape when receiving the ball, offensive support, defensive pressure, collective type of attack and type of technical action presented a significant and combined effect on the offensive success regardless of age category, playing position and match status. This study found tactical differences between U10 and U12 age categories and revealed important interactive effects of multiple tactical dimensions on the individual offensive behavior and performance in youth soccer players.
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Duncan M, Eyre ELJ, Noon M, Morris R, Thake D, Clarke N. Fundamental movement skills and perceived competence, but not fitness, are the key factors associated with technical skill performance in boys who play grassroots soccer. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2022; 6:215-220. [PMID: 35475751 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2021.1910332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the association between fitness, fundamental movement skills (FMS) and perceived competence on technical skills in boys engaged in grassroots soccer. Methods: Sixty boys (8-12 years of age, Mean ± SD = 10 ± 1 years) undertook assessment of FMS, perceived competence, physical fitness (15m sprint speed, standing long jump distance and seated 1kg medicine ball throw as a composite z-score) and technical skills (dribbling, passing and shooting as a composite z-score). RESULTS Multiple backwards linear regression was used to determine to amount of variance in technical skill explained by FMS, perceived competence and fitness. Results indicated a significant model (F 3,58= 42.04, P = .0001, Adj R2 = .680) which explained 68% of the variance in technical skills. Perceived competence (β=.316, P =.001), Total FMS (β=.140, P =.002), and chronological age (β=.863), P =.001) significantly contributed to the model. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that better technical skills (passing, dribbling, shooting) in youth soccer are explained, alongside age, by being competent in FMS and having a more positive perception of competence. Coaches should therefore seek to encourage development of these factors during childhood for the benefit of technical skill performance.
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Coito N, Folgado H, Romero F, Loureiro N, Travassos B. Variations in individual player area in youth football matches: the effects of changes of players’ age, numerical relations, and pitch zones. INT J PERF ANAL SPOR 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2022.2025713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Coito
- Department of Sport Sciences, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
- Escola Superior de Desporto Rio Maior (ESDRM-IPSantarém), Rio Maior, Portugal
- Life Quality Research Center, CIEQV, Rio Maior, Portugal
| | - Hugo Folgado
- Departamento de Desporto e Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Évora, Portugal
| | - Félix Romero
- Escola Superior de Desporto Rio Maior (ESDRM-IPSantarém), Rio Maior, Portugal
- Life Quality Research Center, CIEQV, Rio Maior, Portugal
| | - Nuno Loureiro
- Escola Superior de Desporto Rio Maior (ESDRM-IPSantarém), Rio Maior, Portugal
- Life Quality Research Center, CIEQV, Rio Maior, Portugal
| | - Bruno Travassos
- Department of Sport Sciences, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
- Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, Vila Real, Portugal
- Portuguese Football Federation, Lisboa, Portugal
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Fundamental Movement Skills and Physical Fitness Are Key Correlates of Tactical Soccer Skill in Grassroots Soccer Players Aged 8–14 Years. JOURNAL OF MOTOR LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1123/jmld.2021-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
One hundred and twenty-one children (58 boys and 63 girls) aged 8–14 years (mean ± SD = 12 ± 1 years) who were regularly engaged in grassroots soccer participated in this study. Participants undertook assessments of fundamental movement skill (FMS) using the Test of Gross Motor Development-3, perceived ability using the Perceived Physical Ability Scale for Children, physical fitness via 15-m sprint time, standing long jump distance, and technical skill using the university of Ghent dribbling test. The Procedural Tactical Knowledge Test was employed as a measure of tactical skill from which metrics for positioning and movement and recognizing spaces were derived. Maturation was determined from anthropometric measures. Analysis of covariance examined gender differences in tactical skills accounting for FMS, fitness, perceived ability, technical skill, maturation, and age. Results indicated no significant differences in tactical skills between boys and girls (p > .05). For recognizing spaces, 56% of the variance was explained with FMS (p = .001), physical fitness (p = .02), and technical skill (p = .02) contributing to the model. For positioning and movement, a significant model explained 55% of the variance in this element of tactical behavior with FMS (p = .002) and technical skill (p = .02) significantly contributing to the model.
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Dayus J, Callaway A, Ellis S, Butterworth A. Analysis of playing style across different developmental stages in football. INT J PERF ANAL SPOR 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2021.1963106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Duncan MJ, Eyre ELJ, Noon MR, Morris R, Doug Thake C, Clarke ND, Cunningham AJ. Actual and perceived motor competence mediate the relationship between physical fitness and technical skill performance in young soccer players. Eur J Sport Sci 2021; 22:1196-1203. [PMID: 34187318 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2021.1948616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the role of fundamental movement skills (FMS) and perceived competence in the relationship between physical fitness and technical soccer skills in children. Seventy boys aged 7-12 years of age (Mean ± SD = 9 ± 2 years) who were regularly engaged in grassroots soccer participated in the present study. The Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (Ulrich, 2001) was used to assess FMS and the Perceived Physical Ability Scale for Children (Colella, et al., 2008) was used to assess perceived competence. Technical skill was determined from three tests reflecting dribbling, passing and shooting. Z-scores of each measure were summed, creating a composite measure of technical skill. Three measures of physical fitness were employed; 15m sprint time, standing long jump, and seated medicine ball (1kg) throw. Z-scores for each measure were summed creating a composite measure of physical fitness. The relationship between technical skill and FMS, fitness, perceived competence and age was examined via path analysis. Results indicated two significant mediated pathways: from physical fitness to technical skills via FMS, and from physical fitness to technical skills via perceived competence. Once these mediators had been accounted for, there was no direct link from physical fitness to technical skills. Coaches should therefore seek to avoid one-sided delivery of practice by not solely focusing on football type drills, and focusing on a range of activities which enhance a broad foundation of FMS and promote strategies to positively influence a child's perception of their own competence.
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Machado G, González-Víllora S, Sarmento H, Teoldo I. Development of Tactical Decision-making Skills in Youth Soccer Players: Macro- and Microstructure of Soccer Developmental Activities as a Discriminant of Different Skill Levels. INT J PERF ANAL SPOR 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2020.1829368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Machado
- Centre of Research and Studies in Soccer (NUPEF), Universidade Federal De Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Sixto González-Víllora
- EDAF Research Group, Faculty of Education, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain
| | - Hugo Sarmento
- University of Coimbra, Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity. Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Israel Teoldo
- Centre of Research and Studies in Soccer (NUPEF), Universidade Federal De Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
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Silva AF, Conte D, Clemente FM. Decision-Making in Youth Team-Sports Players: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17113803. [PMID: 32471126 PMCID: PMC7312689 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this systematic review conducted in the topic of youth team-sports players was three-fold: (i) Analyze the variations of decision-making processes between low- and high-level youth players; (ii) analyze the variations of decision-making processes between different age groups; and (iii) analyze the effects of decision-making training-based programs on youth players. Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this systematic review searched for studies on PubMed, ScienceDirect, Academic Search Complete, SPORTDiscus, and Taylor & Francis Online. The search returned 6215 papers. After screening the records against set criteria, 26 articles were fully reviewed. From the included studies, 9 were focused on comparing the decision-making process between low- and high-level players, 6 compared the decisions made by players from different age categories, and 11 analyzed the effects of decision-making-based training programs on youth players. Comparisons between high- and low-level players suggested that high-level and most talented players present a greater accuracy in the cognitive and executive answers to the game as well as being more adjustable to more complex situations. Considering the comparisons between age groups, a tendency of older players to execute more accurate decisions in the game and to have better tactical knowledge and behavior was observed. Finally, the effects of decision-making training programs suggest a beneficial effect employing practical scenarios (mainly based on small-sided and conditioned games), primarily improving passing decisions and execution. However, the benefits of interventions using videos are not clear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Filipa Silva
- Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Álvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal;
- N2i, Polytechnic Institute of Maia, 4475-690 Maia, Portugal
- The Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Correspondence: or
| | - Daniele Conte
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Filipe Manuel Clemente
- Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Álvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal;
- Instituto de Telecomunicações, Delegação da Covilhã, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
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Kokstejn J, Musalek M, Wolanski P, Murawska-Cialowicz E, Stastny P. Fundamental Motor Skills Mediate the Relationship Between Physical Fitness and Soccer-Specific Motor Skills in Young Soccer Players. Front Physiol 2019; 10:596. [PMID: 31191332 PMCID: PMC6546828 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fundamental motor skills (FMS) are the basic elements of more complex sport-specific skills and should be mastered at the end of early childhood; however, the relationship between FMS and sport-specific skills has not yet been verified in prepubertal soccer players. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the role of FMS in the process of acquiring soccer-specific motor skills (measured using speed dribbling) with regard to physical fitness and biological maturation. Forty male soccer players (11.5 ± 0.3 years of age) at the highest performance level participated in the study. The test of Gross Motor Development - second edition and Unifittest 6-60 were used to assess FMS and physical fitness, respectively. The role of FMS in a complex theoretical model with the relationships between physical fitness, biological maturation and speed dribbling was analyzed by multiple regression path analyses (MRPA). Moderate to strong correlations were found between FMS, physical fitness, and speed dribbling (r = 0.56-0.66). Biological maturation did not appear to be a significant predictor of physical fitness or speed dribbling. The MRPA model using FMS as mediator variable between physical fitness and speed dribbling showed a significant indirect effect (standard estimation = -0.31, p = 0.001; R 2 = 0.25). However, the direct correlation between physical fitness and speed dribbling was non-significant. Our results showed that FMS significantly strengthened the influence of physical fitness on the performance of speed dribbling, a soccer-specific motor skill, and thus play an important role in the process of acquiring sport-specific motor skills in prepubertal soccer players. When considering the long-term training process, especially during childhood and before puberty, a wide range of FMS activities should be applied for better and possibly faster acquisition of soccer-specific motor skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Kokstejn
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martin Musalek
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Pawel Wolanski
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University School of Physical Education, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Petr Stastny
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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