DECISION MAKING AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN YOUTH FOOTBALL PLAYERS

This paper presents how decision-making and skills are developed in high level of expertise players from 6-7 to 13-14 years. The framework is based on the dynamical systems and teaching games for understanding approaches. Participants were 57 first team players of each age (n = 13 to 16) of Albacete Balompie: U-8, U-10, U-12 and U-14. The Game Performance Assessment Tool (GPET) was the instrument used for assessment, which measures decision-making and execution from an ecological view in relation to tactical principles (Bayer, 1992), comparing the game situation with the decision applied. The results are based on inferential and correlation analysis. The evolution of knowledge evolves attack to defensive. We have found significant differences in variables between the four age categories studied. These differences have been shown in attack: the progress toward goal tactical principle and shake off; on defence: marking and cover (off-ball defenders).