INFLUENCE OF PERCEPTUAL PATTERN RECOGNITION SKILL ON FOOTBALLERS�?´ MOTOR BEHAVIOURS

Abstract

Vicente Luis del Campo y Álvaro Caja

The aim of the study was to address whether the recognition of play patterns in football influence the football players´ motor behavior. The sample was formed by three groups of eight football players with different Sport level. Participants perceived a video-projected sequence with reduced situations of play in soccer. These actions ended with the pass of an attacking opponent to another one. Participants had to initiate their defensive response just at the moment of knowing the pass direction, moving the foot quickly to the final location of the ball. The results showed that the players of Football League Two started earlier the movement than the National League group (p < .01) and U-15 group (p < .001). The National League group also achieved an earlier response than the U-15 group (p < .001). According to the response accuracy, no significant differences were found between groups (Football League Two: 85%; National League: 81%; U-15: 75%).