Implementing a pressure training program to improve decision-making and execution of skill among premier league academy soccer players
Abstract
The present study evaluated the effectiveness of an intervention intended to improve academy players’ performance under pressure. Male academy soccer players (n = 82; mean age = 14.12 years, SD = 2.28) completed a baseline pressure task producing performance scores (A) for decision making and skill execution. By completing a pressure task, players received pressure training (PT) (Wood & Wilson, 2012). Players were then randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 41; receiving PT, three cognitive behavior workshops, and reflective diaries) or comparison group (n = 41; receiving PT only). Sixty-eight players (n = 29; intervention group; n = 39; comparison group) repeated the PT task at a six-week follow up (B), and of these, 26 (n = 15; intervention group; n = 11; PT only) also completed a re-test PT task (A) at 12-week follow up. Due to attrition at follow up, chi-square analysis was conducted across experimental groups A-B only. Analysis indicated intervention players scored significantly higher in their decision-making (p = .028) with a significant main effect of age-group on decision-making (p = .003) and skill execution (p = .005). Four players (highest scoring and lowest scoring player within intervention and comparison groups) from each academy age-group (n = 16) took part in individual interviews to explore intervention effectiveness. Thematic analysis found that some players perceived no benefits of the condition they completed, others perceived benefits to confidence, meta-cognitive skills, and challenge appraisals. Methodological implications for future pressure training interventions are presented.Citation
Devonport, T. et al. (2021) Implementing a pressure training program to improve decision-making and execution of skill among premier league academy soccer players, Journal of Applied Sport Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2020.1868618Publisher
Taylor & FrancisJournal
Journal of Applied Sport PsychologyAdditional Links
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10413200.2020.1868618?journalCode=uasp20Type
Journal articleLanguage
enDescription
This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, available online at: https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2020.1868618 The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.ISSN
1041-3200ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1080/10413200.2020.1868618
Scopus Count
Collections
Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/