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

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; η2 p = .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.

The Effect of Decision Training, from a Cognitive Perspective, on Decision-Making in Volleyball: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…These studies focused on improving decision-making via perceptual and simulation training aimed at improving visual search strategies. According to Kenny and Gregory [69], this type of program helps players improve their recognition of environmental signals (e.g., by analyzing and selecting the most relevant stimulus of the opponent tactical reception system during the service [66,67]), allowing a reduction in reaction time (e.g., optimizing the interpretation of the opponent setter movements, enabling the anticipation and improving the effectiveness of the block [43]) and a better success when making decisions (e.g., identifying the optimal trajectory of the ball based on the position of the opponents and the characteristics of the opponent block [40,65]).…”

“…Of the articles considered in this study, four were focused on improving decision-making through memory-related processes [40,49,65,66]. These studies focused on improving decision-making through video and image viewing and by a supervisor applying questioning and video feedback.…”

“…Gil-Arias et al [65] involved an 11-week intervention in which a program was applied during the training sessions. The workouts lasted 120 min and were divided into two phases: firstly a 60-min technical-tactical phase, and a second phase, where the intervention program was implemented, with a 6 vs. 6 game situation lasting 60 min.…”

“…The total number of sessions within the programs raged from 8 to 26 sessions, and the durations of these interventions/programs ranged from 10 to 60 min. The studies carried out by Formenti et al [55] and Gil-Arias et al [65] did not specify the number of sessions carried out in the program, but the duration of the program (8 and 11 weeks, respectively). The study by Merzoug et al [67] did not specify either the duration of the program or the number of sessions carried out.…”

Análisis comparativo del saque en voleibol entre los campeonatos de España 2005-2010 / Comparative Analysis of the Serve in Volleyball between the Spanish Championships 2005-2010

“…Estos resultados coinciden con los obtenidos en investigaciones precedentes, tanto en categorías de formación (Bailasha, 2001;García-Tormo et al, 2006;Gil et al, 2010a) como en alto nivel (Lozano, Calvo, Cervelló, & Ureña, 2003;Moreno et al, 2007;Afonso et al, 2012).…”