Efficacy of using non-linear pedagogy to support attacking players’ individual learning objectives in elite-youth football: A randomised cross-over trial |
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| Authors: | Simon J Roberts James R Rudd Matthew J Reeves |
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| Institution: | 1. School of Sport Studies, Leisure and Nutrition, Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool, UK s.roberts2@ljmu.ac.uk;3. School of Sport Studies, Leisure and Nutrition, Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool, UK  https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1546-576X;4. Institute of Coaching and Performance (ICaP), Faculty of Sport, Health and Wellbeing, University of Central Lancashire , Preston, UK https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3903-2910 |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACT The present study examined the efficacy of a coaching curriculum, based on non-linear pedagogy, on improving attacking players’ individual learning objectives (ILOs) in elite-youth football. Participants included 22 attacking players (i.e., centre-forwards, wide-players and attacking midfield players) from a professional football academy in England. The players were randomly appointed to both control (CON) and intervention (INT) periods following baseline measures. The INT (non-linear) and CON (linear) periods were both designed to support the ILOs provided to each player as part of the elite player performance plan. The study adopted a randomised cross-over design and ILOs considered important for attacking players (i.e., strong foot finishing, weak foot finishing, 1-v-1 and decision-making) were evaluated using the Loughborough Shooting Skill Test. The results showed significant differences for INT in 1-v-1 (P< 0.02) and decision-making (P< 0.01). However, there were no significant differences for strong foot finishing, weak foot finishing or time taken. These results support non-linear pedagogy in developing 1-v-1 game play and decision-making but not for technical shooting proficiency. |
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| Keywords: | Talent dynamic systems theory ecological psychology team sports players’ development skill acquisition |
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https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1546-576X;4. Institute of Coaching and Performance (ICaP), Faculty of Sport, Health and Wellbeing, University of Central Lancashire , Preston, UK