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Reasoning and Action: Implementation of a Decision-Making Program in Sport

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 September 2016

Alexander Gil-Arias*
Affiliation:
Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia
M. Perla Moreno
Affiliation:
Universidad de Extremadura (Spain)
Alex García-Mas
Affiliation:
Universitat de les Illes Balears (Spain)
Alberto Moreno
Affiliation:
Universidad de Extremadura (Spain)
Luíz García-González
Affiliation:
Universidad de Zaragoza (Spain)
Fernando del Villar
Affiliation:
Universidad de Extremadura (Spain)
*
*Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Alexander Gil Arias. Facultad de Deporte. Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM). Campus de los Jerónimos, 135. Guadalupe. 30107. Murcia (Spain). E-mail: agilarias@ucam.edu

Abstract

The objective of this study was to apply a decision training programme, based on the use of video-feedback and questioning, in real game time, in order to improve decision-making in volleyball attack actions. A three-phase quasi-experimental design was implemented: Phase A (pre-test), Phase B (Intervention) and Phase C (Retention). The sample was made up of 8 female Under-16 volleyball players, who were divided into two groups: experimental group (n = 4) and control group (n = 4). The independent variable was the decision training program, which was applied for 11 weeks in a training context, more specifically in a 6x6 game situation. The player had to analyze the reasons and causes of the decision taken. The dependent variable was decision-making, which was assessed based on systematic observation, using the “Game Performance Assessment Instrument” (GPAI) (Oslin, Mitchell, & Griffin, 1998). Results showed that, after applying the decision training program, the experimental group showed a significantly higher average percentage of successful decisions than the control group F(1, 6) = 11.26; p = .015; η2p = .652; 95% CI [056, 360]. These results highlight the need to complement the training process with cognitive tools such as video-feedback and questioning in order to improve athletes’ decision-making.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Madrid 2016 

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