Cognitive Functioning, Physical Fitness, and Game Performance in a Sample of Adolescent Soccer Players

Alejandro Sabarit, Rafael E. Reigal, Juan P. Morillo-Baro, Rocío Juárez-Ruiz de Mier, Auxiliadora Franquelo, Antonio Hernández-Mendo, Coral Falcó and Verónica Morales-Sánchez
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Alejandro Sabarit: Faculty of Psychology, University of Malaga, Campus Teatinos, 29071, Malaga, Spain
Rafael E. Reigal: Faculty of Psychology, University of Malaga, Campus Teatinos, 29071, Malaga, Spain
Juan P. Morillo-Baro: Faculty of Psychology, University of Malaga, Campus Teatinos, 29071, Malaga, Spain
Rocío Juárez-Ruiz de Mier: Faculty of Psychology, University of Malaga, Campus Teatinos, 29071, Malaga, Spain
Auxiliadora Franquelo: Faculty of Psychology, University of Malaga, Campus Teatinos, 29071, Malaga, Spain
Antonio Hernández-Mendo: Faculty of Psychology, University of Malaga, Campus Teatinos, 29071, Malaga, Spain
Coral Falcó: Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences. Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Kronstad: Inndalsveien 28, 5063, Bergen, Norway
Verónica Morales-Sánchez: Faculty of Psychology, University of Malaga, Campus Teatinos, 29071, Malaga, Spain

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 13, 1-12

Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between cognitive functioning, physical fitness, and game performance in a sample of adolescent soccer players. Eighty-five boys from a soccer team in Rincon de la Victoria (Malaga, Spain), aged between 12 and 16 years, participated in the study. The D2 and Global-Local Attention (GLA) tests were used to evaluate selective and divided attention, respectively, and the Coding and Symbol Search tests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) were used for processing speed. To analyze physical fitness, the standing long jump test, speed test, and Course-Navette test of the Alpha-Fitness battery were used. Finally, the Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI) was used to analyze sports performance in three vs. three small-sided games. The analyses showed that cognitive functioning was related to game performance. The results obtained suggest the importance of cognitive functions for performance in this sport.

Keywords: cognitive function; attention; physical fitness; soccer; adolescents (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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