307 Proficiency-Related Differences in Soccer Players' Cognitive Processes From the Perspective of Eye Movement and Verbal Report

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the cognitive processes that underpin the performance of soccer players on the basis of the perception-action cycle. Decision making tasks were undertaken involving 16 soccer players with different proficiency levels. We combined an eye movement measurement with a verbal report to identify in detail the cognitive processes during the task. Subjects attached an eye movement measurement device to themselves to measure their eye movements during this task. After each sequence, subjects were interviewed regarding "the choice the pass" and "about the recognition of the situation". Results indicated that expert players were able to pass to the intended place more precisely than the sub-expert players. Expert players fixated on more objects for a shorter duration. Moreover, expert players fixated on an important place for a long time before passing the ball. Additionally, expert players generated substantial high quality information about the recognition of the situation. Overall, the study suggested that expert players employed more exploratory strategies than sub-expert players, such as fixating longer on an important place and identifying in the situation.