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Decision-making in sports is influenced by several cognitive processes. Motivation is a behavioral variable, which consists of regulations that may be associated with sports performance. Study aimed to measure and evaluate the impact of motivation on anxiety and tactical knowledge of young soccer players. 103 regional players aged 10-to 17-years participated in the study. To assess motivation and anxiety, the Sport Motivation Scale II and Competitive State Anxiety Inventory 2 were applied. The tactical indicator was quantified by the Declarative Tactical Knowledge test. Cluster analysis was used to group individuals according to the dimensions of anxiety and tactical knowledge. A multinomial logistic regression identified the level of significance of motivation on the other variables and groups evaluated. Somatic anxiety was positively influenced by the increase in levels of integrated regulation (OR = 0.31) and negatively influenced by the increase in levels of identified regulation (OR = 4.02). Self-confidence was significantly affected by the increase in integrated regulation (OR = 4.64). In relation to tactical knowledge, it was positively influenced by integrated regulation (OR = 2.02) and by the decrease in levels of amotivation, being that the more amotivated individuals had a lower probability of presenting high tactical knowledge (OR = 0.45). Motivation has a significant impact on anxiety and tactical performance indicators, thus indicating the importance of the insertion of this variable in training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to examine the preferred leadership profile and motivation of young soccer players. The sample was composed of 99 young male soccer players between (12 to 15 yrs). To evaluate the motivational level of the players, the Sports Motivation Scale (SMS) was used. Leadership was assessed through the Leadership Scale for Sport. Normality of data was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The comparison between different age groups was analyzed through the Mann-Whitney U test. To verify the relationship between leadership style and motivation, the Spearman correlation coeficient was applied (P < 0.05). The results showed that the preference for leadership profile and coaching is given by non-autocratic coaches, who focus on training instruction and help in social support, keeping players more motivated for sports practice. Intrinsic motivation was shown to be related to instruction training style (r = 0.21), social support style (r = 0.20), and autocratic leadership style (r = -0.20). In general, the present study seems to contribute to the knowledge of the coach-athlete relationship and how to keep athletes motivated, evidencing the best style of coaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body size variability due to hormonal changes arising from different maturational development speeds can represent advantages to players who are early in this process. The present study aimed to analyze anthropometric, physical, and technical-tactical indicators according to the somatic maturity status of young soccer players. Thirty-seven subjects (14.57 ± 1.26 years) of a regional soccer project took part in the study. Anthropometric measurements of weight, height, trunk-cephalic height, and triceps and subscapular skinfolds were verified. Based on this information, peak height velocity was estimated. To evaluate functional capacities, the sit-and-reach test, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1, handgrip, and 30m speed test were performed. In addition, a soccer specific motor skills protocol and declarative tactical knowledge test were applied. Results show significant differences between groups in body weight, height, trunk-head height, body mass index, and handgrip (P≤0.05). When analyzing the relationship between anthropometric variables, specific motor skills, and declarative tactical knowledge no significant correlations were verified. Although anthropometric indicators increase with advances in maturational classification, in this study tactical-technical skills were demonstrated not to be related to body size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare performance in technical skills and physical attributes after controlling for body mass and height in young soccer regional players. The sample was composed of 68 young soccer players (12.83±2.43 years). Physical fitness was assessed using the Counter Movement Jump, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test 1, and Speed 30 m tests. Regarding technical skills, the General Soccer Ability Skill Test Battery was applied through three tasks: dribbling, shooting, and passing. Multiple Linear Regression (stepwise method) was adopted to estimate the relative contribution of body mass and height to physical and technical performance. ANCOVA followed by Bonferroni adjustments were used to compare performances of young players across different age groups, controlling for height and body mass (P<0.05). Results indicated that body size was a predictor of aerobic power (R²=0.55), speed (R²=0.60), and dribbling (R²=0.30) in young players. Even controlling for body size variables, the Bonferroni adjustments used in the ANCOVA identified significant differences between some categories in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (F(3,62)=12.405; P<0.001), speed (F(3,62)=6.983; P<0.001), counter movement jump (F(3,62)=5.768; P=0.002), dribbling (F(3,62)=6.130; P=0.001), and shooting (F(3,62)=4.372; P=0.007). Passing was shown to be controlled by body mass and height. It can be concluded that body mass and height have an impact on physical fitness and technical skills in young soccer players and can be used as covariates to control comparisons between players from different age groups, especially U-11 players when compared to older players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]