Assessing the performance of soccer goalkeepers based on their cognitive and motor skills

In this work, the authors propose the use of a new electronic measurement platform to assess the performance of goalkeepers based on their cognitive and motor skills. A test was run in order to show how the GoMeSy platform could be used by coaches to evaluate the penalty shot-stopping skills of goalkeepers, consequently, the performance of 22 players was measured. In the case of the cognitive skills, there is not a significant difference between novice and expert goalkeepers (p = 0.333), meanwhile, in the case of the motor skills, there is a significant difference (p = 0.006). In addition, there is a moderate, positive correlation between weight and motion time (r = 0.437). In general, this study demonstrates that the GoMeSy platform allows coaches to evaluate with accuracy the penalty shot-stopping skills of goalkeepers. The findings of the test emphasize the fact that coaches do not have to focus only on the goalkeepers’ physical training (motor skills), but they should also consider developing the reaction time (cognitive skills). The results also highlight that although the body mass index depends on the height and weight of each subject, coaches should focus primarily on monitoring the weight of players to improve their performance.