Understanding the Presence of Mental Fatigue in Elite Female Football. Issue 3 (3rd July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thompson, Chris J.; Smith, Andy; Coutts, Aaron J.; Skorski, Sabrina; Datson, Naomi; Smith, Mitchell R.; Meyer, Tim
• Is Part Of: Research quarterly for exercise and sport. Volume 93:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 504
• Page End: 515
• Publication Date: 2022-07-03
• Subjects: Women soccer -- focus group -- coach development; Physical education and training -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Recreation -- Periodicals; Physical Education and Training -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Periodicals; Education -- Periodicals; Lichamelijke opvoeding; Sport; Exercice -- Périodiques; Sports -- Périodiques; 613.7105
• DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2021.1873224
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0270-1367

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Purpose: Previous research investigating the impact of induced mental fatigue in football (soccer) has demonstrated associated performance decrements in physical, technical, tactical and decision-making performance. A common limitation amongst this research is the protocols used to induce mental fatigue which provides low ecological validity, and the inclusion of recreational or sub-elite players. Therefore, understanding the presence of mental fatigue in elite football can provide insight into protocols with greater ecological validity. Methods: The current study used focus groups with 10 elite female football players, focusing on five topics (travel, fixture congestion, receiving tactical information, pre-match routine and pressure to win) related to the perceived causes of mental fatigue in elite football (directed by anecdotal quotes in elite football and research-based theories). Results: Several themes emerged from the data; travel fatigue, inability to switch off from football, fatigue experienced following team meetings, use of pre-match music and internal pressure to succeed. Conclusion: These findings present practical recommendations to reduce mental fatigue in elite football settings, such as considering the timing, content and duration of team meetings, providing players with free time/rest where possible, and considering the modality of coaching instructions during matches.