Comparison of decision-making skills among female Spanish football players from U-12 to U-18, and professional age groups

The aim of this study was to compare the decision-making skills of female football players of different age groups (U-12, U-14, U-16, U-18 and Professional). For this purpose, the decision-making quality and the decision-making time were measured based on the core tactical principles of the offensiv...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Machado, Guilherme, Práxedes, Alba, González Víllora, Sixto, Teoldo, Israel
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2026
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
Repositorio:RUIdeRA. Repositorio Institucional de la UCLM
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:ruidera_____::aa7613621561e623f6dde161770a665c
Acceso en línea:https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.654011
https://revistas.um.es/sportk/article/view/654011
https://hdl.handle.net/10578/48138
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Perceptual-Cognitive Skills
Soccer
Tactical Awareness
Talent Development
Women
Descripción
Sumario:The aim of this study was to compare the decision-making skills of female football players of different age groups (U-12, U-14, U-16, U-18 and Professional). For this purpose, the decision-making quality and the decision-making time were measured based on the core tactical principles of the offensive and defensive phases. The sample comprised a total of 63 Spanish female football players from U-12 (n=12), U-14 (n=9), U-16 (n=15), U-18 (n=12), and professional (n=15) age groups participating in national and regional competitions for their age group. The TacticUP® platform was used to assess the decision-making skills (quality and time). The results showed no significant differences in decision-making quality (p>0.05), whereas significant differences in decision-making time were found between age groups in both offensive and defensive phases (p< 0.05). Specifically, professional players made significantly (p<0.05) quicker decisions compared to U-16 and U-12 players. Therefore, it is concluded that Spanish female football players’ decision-making skills differ between professional and youth players, although such differences are not linear.