Implementing a pressure training program to improve decision-making and execution of skill among premier league academy soccer players
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Issue Date
2021-12-31
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
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. (in press) Implementing a pressure training program to improve decision-making and execution of skill among premier league academy soccer players, Journal of Applied Sport PsychologyPublisher
Taylor & FrancisJournal
Journal of Applied Sport PsychologyAdditional Links
https://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=uaspType
Journal articleLanguage
enDescription
This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Applied Sport Psychology (in press). The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.ISSN
1041-3200Collections
Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/