Understanding how the brains of athletes—especially elite ones—learn and perform has always been intriguing. Researchers, such as Dutch scientist Lot Verburgh, have delved deep into understanding executive functions and their link to soccer performance in young elite athletes.
Read more: How Executive Functions Impact Athlete PerformanceWhat Are Executive Functions?
In simple terms, executive functions refer to our brain’s control functions. These abilities allow us to plan, strategize, initiate tasks, respond efficiently to challenges, control impulses, and maintain our focus on goals. They predominantly exist in the frontal lobe of our brain. Vestberg, a Swedish researcher, demonstrated that soccer players who excel at the highest levels tend to have superior executive functions compared to their lower-tier counterparts.
The Focus of Verburgh’s Research
Verburgh’s research zeroes in on three pivotal components of the executive system: Motor Inhibition, Attention, and Visual Working Memory.
- Motor Inhibition: It’s all about controlling or halting impulses or decisions, especially in dynamic sports like soccer, basketball, or hockey, where players often need to adjust their choices based on rapidly changing situations.
- Attention: This involves maintaining continuous focus, especially when coordinating with teammates, anticipating moves of both allies and opponents, and keeping track of the ball.
- Visual Working Memory: It’s a crucial aspect of daily life, responsible for recalling and processing visual information, such as colors, shapes, and locations. It’s key for planning and retaining a comprehensive view of situations.
Verburgh collaborated with 48 highly talented soccer players (average age 11.9 years) and compared their results with a group of 42 amateur soccer players (average age 11.8 years). Various tests were used to measure differences in Motor Inhibition, Visual Working Memory, and Attention. Significant differences were observed in the ‘motor inhibition’ sector. In Verburgh’s words, “Top talents can adapt their motor skills quickly. This agility can make true champions.”
Future Implications and Comparisons
While Vestberg’s research mainly focused on adults, Verburgh’s study emphasizes young talents. Her suggestions hint at the potential benefits of tracking these players over an extended period to grasp the full impact of executive functions. Interestingly, her research doesn’t limit to soccer but draws parallels with other team sports, emphasizing the universality of these findings.
Stay tuned for insights on how trainers and coaches can capitalize on this knowledge.