Decision Speed and Technical Execution Under Fatigue: A Dual-Task Study in Youth Football

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effects of physical fatigue on cognitive–motor performance in youth football players from different competitive categories using an ecologically valid dual-task test. A total of 45 male youth development football players: 14 from the under-14 category (12.36 ± 0.50 years), 16 from under-16 (15.25 ± 0.45 years), and 15 from under-18 (16.87 ± 0.64 years) joined in this study. Technical–tactical performance was assessed before and after fatigue using the Stroop Task Football Test, with the Repeated Sprint Ability protocol applied between assessments. Physical fatigue negatively affected cognitive–motor performance, particularly in the under-14 and under-16 groups. These categories showed significant increases in execution time (U14: 72.80 ± 5.56 vs. 81.35 ± 6.85 s; U16: 57.67 ± 3.79 vs. 60.76 ± 4.59 s) and reductions in the total index (U14: 51.35 ± 4.64 vs. 45.71 ± 4.61; U16: 63.97 ± 4.22 vs. 59.74 ± 5.53). In contrast, the under-18 group maintained stable performance. To sum, younger players appear more susceptible to performance declines under fatigue conditions, whereas under-18 players did not exhibit significant impairments. These findings highlight the importance of adapting training loads and recovery strategies according to developmental stage.