title: The effects of task constraints on visual search behavior and decision-making skill in youth soccer players.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Gent University, Gent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Roel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vaeyens
authors.forename: Matthieu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lenoir
authors.forename: A Mark
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Liesbeth
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mazyn
authors.forename: Renaat M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Philippaerts
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D001530:Belgium; D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D003657:Decision Making / Q000502:physiology*; D005133:Eye Movements / Q000502:physiology; D005403:Fixation, Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D012916:Soccer / Q000523:psychology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014743:Videotape Recording; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*