Comparison of decision-making skills between Under-14, Under-16, and Under-17 soccer players

Abstract

The tactical component and the cognitive mechanisms associated with decision-making are considered to be fundamental to a higher sport performance in soccer. However, there are few instruments capable of evaluating cognitive aspects based on game concepts. Recently, the TacticUP® video test for soccer was developed and validated. This instrument helps to evaluate the ability to “read” the play and the response time of decision-making of soccer players according to the core tactical principles of soccer. The aim of this study was to compare the quality and response time of decision-making of Under-14,-16, and-17 soccer players affiliated with a Brazilian club. A total of 37 players were evaluated by TacticUP®. The Shapiro–Wilk test and one-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc were applied, considering p < 0.05. The obtained results showed that there was no difference in the quality of decisions associated with tactical principles. However, there was difference in the response time of decision-making. The Under-16 and-17 players showed faster response time for decisions associated with the principles “Penetration”, “Width and Length with and without the ball” and “Offensive Unity” compared to their younger counterparts. The response time of Under-17 players was faster for the principles “Offensive Coverage” and “Depth Mobility” compared to Under-14 players. In addition, a faster response time was observed in Under-16 and-17 players for the principle “Concentration”. Finally, Under-17 players showed faster response for “Delay” and “Defensive Balance” compared to Under-14 players. It is concluded that Under-16 and-17 players make faster decisions in both offensive and defensive actions (both closer or further from the ball) compared to Under-14 players.