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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to contrast the practice history profiles of international field hockey players and developmental activities leading to the attainment of high levels of perceptual-cognitive performance. Twenty-three international hockey players were assigned to a high performing or low performing group based on coach rankings of their perceptual and decision-making skill. Participants completed a practice history questionnaire assessing the number of hours in total practice, match play, coach-led practice, individual practice and peer-led play. Results showed that high performing players accumulated greater hours in total practice, match play, and coach-led practice compared to their low performing counterparts. Match play and coach-led practice are influential factors in the development of perceptual-cognitive performance. Diversification of sporting activities during participant’s development years did not have a negative consequence on the acquisition of hockey-specific perceptual-cognitive skills.

Keywords

Decision making deliberate play diversification practice history specialization

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Developmental activities and the acquisition of perceptual-cognitive expertise in international field hockey players

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