Effects of psycho training on motor reaction time and ball-trapping performance in elite Iraqi Premier League soccer players
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v79.118700Keywords:
Psycho training, sensorimotor integration, reactive agility, dual-task training, football performanceAbstract
Background. Modern football performance requires high perceptual–cognitive processing, rapid decision-making, and neuromuscular efficiency. Recent sport science research highlights the importance of integrating cognitive and motor training approaches. Psycho training represents an applied training method that combines perceptual–cognitive stimuli, reactive decision-making tasks, and sport-specific motor actions to improve football performance.
Methods. A randomized controlled experimental design with pre- and post-test measurements was used. Twenty-two elite male Iraqi Premier League football players were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 11) and a control group (n = 11). The experimental group completed an eight-week psycho training program integrated into regular team training (three sessions per week), including reactive agility drills and dual-task ball-control exercises, while the control group continued regular training only. Motor reaction time was assessed using the Nelson Reaction Time Test, and ball-trapping performance (foot, thigh, and chest trapping) was evaluated using standardized technical performance tests. Data were analyzed using paired and independent samples t-tests with effect size calculations.
Results. The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in motor reaction time and ball-trapping performance, with moderate-to-large effect sizes, whereas the control group showed no significant changes. Post-test comparisons revealed significantly superior performance in the experimental group.
Conclusions. Psycho training appears to be an effective training approach for improving neuromotor responsiveness and technical ball-control performance in elite football players.
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