Visual search strategy and anticipation in tactical behavior of young soccer players

The aim of the present study was to compare the visual search strategy (VSS) and anticipation between two groups of young players of different efficiencies in tactical behavior (TB). A total of 44 Brazilian male soccer players aged 14.00 (± 1.06) years from three regional clubs participated in the study. TB was assessed using FUT-SAT; anticipation score was obtained by a video-based assessment, while VSS was performed using the Mobile Eye-XG® system. The soccer players were divided into two groups based on their TB results into those more efficient and those less efficient. The results showed that soccer players with higher efficiency in TB were better at anticipating and performed a higher number of shorter visual fixations and a greater average amount of fixations per location. They were also able to adjust their VSS in performing a longer fixation time on the player in possession of the ball. Therefore, there is support for an integration of visual search strategy and anticipation within tactical behavior. Visual search strategy and anticipation seem to contribute to the efficiency of tactical behavior in young soccer players.