Small-sided games can discriminate perceptual-cognitive-motor capability and predict disposal efficiency in match performance of skilled Australian footballers

Piggott, B., Müller, S.ORCID: 0000-0001-5777-4953, Chivers, P., Cripps, A. and Hoyne, G. (2018) Small-sided games can discriminate perceptual-cognitive-motor capability and predict disposal efficiency in match performance of skilled Australian footballers. Journal of Sports Sciences, 37 (10). pp. 1139-1145.

Abstract

This study determined if small-sided games could discriminate perceptual-cognitive-motor skill in Australian Rules Footballers. Higher skilled Western Australian Football League (WAFL) (n = 17) and lesser skilled Amateur (n = 23) players were recruited. Participants played three small-sided games of three minutes. Each disposal was scored for decision-making and motor skill execution, with these scores combined for a total score. Mann-Whitney U tests indicated significantly superior mean decision-making by higher skilled (Median = 2.90, Range = 0.30) over lesser skilled (Median = 2.80, Range = 0.73) (p = .012) players. Execution score was not significantly different between groups. Linear mixed model analysis found higher skilled players (M = 5.32, SD = 1.19) scored significantly higher than lower skilled players (M = 4.90, SD = 1.52) on total score (p = .009). Large effect sizes were found for decision-making and total score relative to games and position played in WAFL players. High agreement of scoring was observed for an elite (inter-rater) and a novice (intra-rater) coaches. Linear mixed model analysis indicated mean total scores of WAFL players significantly predicted disposal efficiency in match performance (p = .011). Small-sided games can be easily implemented to identify talented players and assess perceptual-cognitive-motor skill.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	School of Psychology and Exercise Science
Publisher:	Routledge
Copyright:	© 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/42848

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