title: Tactical knowledge in tennis: a comparison of two groups with different levels of expertise.
abstract: Differences in the tactical knowledge of tennis players are described using the expert-novice approach to examine problem representation and strategy planning in 6 pre-professionals and 6 intermediate tennis players, by means of the McPherson and Thomas protocol for analysing verbal reports during game play. Statistical analyses indicated significant differences in conceptual content, structure, and sophistication. These pre-professional tennis players had greater, more elaborated, and sophisticated tactical knowledge; with expertise, more complex structures are developed in long-term memory. Specific training programmes to improve tennis players' tactical knowledge and cognitive skills may be desirable.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Plaza Universidad 3, CP 22002, Huesca, España.
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: García-González
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moreno
authors.forename: M Perla
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Moreno
authors.forename: Damián
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Iglesias
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: del Villar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000523:psychology*; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D009048:Motor Skills; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D013715:Tennis / Q000523:psychology*