Executive Functions Predict the Success of Top-Soccer Players

Abstract

While the importance of physical abilities and motor coordination is non-contested in sport, more focus has recently been turned toward cognitive processes important for different sports. However, this line of studies has often investigated sport-specific cognitive traits, while few studies have focused on general cognitive traits. We explored if measures of general executive functions can predict the success of a soccer player. The present study used standardized neuropsychological assessment tools assessing players' general executive functions including on-line multi-processing such as creativity, response inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. In a first cross-sectional part of the study we compared the results between High Division players (HD), Lower Division players (LD) and a standardized norm group. The result shows that both HD and LD players had significantly better measures of executive functions in comparison to the norm group for both men and women. Moreover, the HD players outperformed the LD players in these tests. In the second prospective part of the study, a partial correlation test showed a significant correlation between the result from the executive test and the numbers of goals and assists the players had scored two seasons later. The results from this study strongly suggest that results in cognitive function tests predict the success of ball sport players.

What mental process favours quality decision-making in young soccer players?

“…These functions shape the cognitive module that involves "inhibition, working memory, and organizational strategies necessary to prepare a response" 29,30 . Accordingly, the functions responsible for prospective memory and decision-making origin from the frontal lobe, a brain region that undergoes its major development during childhood and adolescence [31][32][33][34] . Thus, the development of memory and the capabilities to organize information favours the activation of more proactive mechanisms and helps decision-making 35 .…”

Cognitive Training in Soccer: Where Is the Key Point?

“…A good suggestion to improve the training in soccer regards intense environment exercise where the information quickly changes [7]: indeed, actually, the evolution of the game is very intensive and rapid.…”

“…Indeed, the increasement of speed of execution (and then the fatigue) leads to strong modification on the attentional level and on coordination skills [7] [22].…”

“…The authors agreed with this new global approach to the training because soccer is an open skill sport, where the players have to make decision quickly during unstable, unpredictable and externally paced environment. Indeed, the success in soccer de-Open Access Library Journal pends on how informations are processed considering the complex and quickly changing environment [6] [7]. This close relation between the environment and the decision of the players leads the coaches to train towards "plastic" players.…”

“…Thus, the cognitive training becomes the solution for young players, even through executive function [7] [8]. Executive Functions (EF; also called executive control or cognitive control [9]), in fact, regard the usual top-down mental processes applied when people keep the concentration and pay attention, when going on automatically or relying on instinct or intuition that would be ill-advised, insufficient, or impossible [3].…”