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Cognitive Functions in Elite and Sub-Elite Youth Soccer Players Aged 13 to 17 Years

Author

Listed:
  • Barbara C H Huijgen
  • Sander Leemhuis
  • Niels M Kok
  • Lot Verburgh
  • Jaap Oosterlaan
  • Marije T Elferink-Gemser
  • Chris Visscher

Abstract

Soccer players are required to anticipate and react continuously in a changing, relatively unpredictable situation in the field. Cognitive functions might be important to be successful in soccer. The current study investigated the relationship between cognitive functions and performance level in elite and sub-elite youth soccer players aged 13–17 years. A total of 47 elite youth soccer players (mean age 15.5 years, SD = 0.9) and 41 sub-elite youth soccer players (mean age 15.2 years, SD = 1.2) performed tasks for “higher-level” cognitive functions measuring working memory (i.e., Visual Memory Span), inhibitory control (i.e., Stop-Signal Task), cognitive flexibility (i.e., Trail Making Test), and metacognition (i.e., Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Design Fluency Test). “Lower-level” cognitive processes, i.e., reaction time and visuo-perceptual abilities, were also measured with the previous tasks. ANOVA’s showed that elite players outscored sub-elite players at the “higher-level” cognitive tasks only, especially on metacognition (p .05). In conclusion, elite youth soccer players have better inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and especially metacognition than their sub-elite counterparts. However, when training hours are taken into account, differences between elite and sub-elite youth soccer players remain apparent on inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility in contrast to metacognition. This highlights the need for longitudinal studies to further investigate the importance of “higher-level” cognitive functions for talent identification, talent development and performance in soccer.

Suggested Citation

  • Barbara C H Huijgen & Sander Leemhuis & Niels M Kok & Lot Verburgh & Jaap Oosterlaan & Marije T Elferink-Gemser & Chris Visscher, 2015. "Cognitive Functions in Elite and Sub-Elite Youth Soccer Players Aged 13 to 17 Years," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(12), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0144580
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144580
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    Cited by:

    1. Ilona Bidzan-Bluma, 2021. "Twin-To-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Donor and Recipient and Their Subsequent Cognitive Functioning in Late Childhood as Juvenile Athletes—A Case Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-10, March.
    2. Fioretta Silvestri & Matteo Campanella & Maurizio Bertollo & Maicon Rodrigues Albuquerque & Valerio Bonavolontà & Fabrizio Perroni & Carlo Baldari & Laura Guidetti & Davide Curzi, 2023. "Acute Effects of Fitlight Training on Cognitive-Motor Processes in Young Basketball Players," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-14, January.
    3. Petra Pačesová, 2021. "Cognitive and Executive Functions of Young Men regarding Sport Activity and Personality Traits," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-9, October.
    4. Halim Hicheur & Alan Chauvin & Steve Chassot & Xavier Chenevière & Wolfgang Taube, 2017. "Effects of age on the soccer-specific cognitive-motor performance of elite young soccer players: Comparison between objective measurements and coaches’ evaluation," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(9), pages 1-20, September.

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