Comparison of decision-making skills among female football players from U-12 to professional age groups
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the decision-making skills of female football players of different age groups (U-12, U-14, U-16, U-18 and Professional). For this purpose, the decision-making quality and the decision-making time were measured based on the core tactical principles of the offensive and defensive phases. The sample comprised a total of 63 Spanish female football players from U-12 (n=12), U-14 (n=9), U-16 (n=15), U-18 (n=12), and professional (n=15) age groups participating in national and regional competitions for their age group. The TacticUP® platform was used to assess the decision-making skills (quality and time). The results showed no significant differences in decision-making quality (p>0.05), whereas significant differences in decision-making time were found between age groups in both offensive and defensive phases (p< 0.05). Specifically, professional players made significantly (p<0.05) quicker decisions compared to U-16 and U-12 players. Therefore, it is concluded that Spanish female football players’ decision-making skills differ between professional and youth players, although such differences are not linear.
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1. The Publication Service of the University of Murcia (the publisher) has the Publication Rights (Copyright) to the published papers and works, and favors and permits the reusing of the same under the license indicated in point 2.
© Servicio de Publicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, 2013
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