VISUAL-SEARCH STRATEGY, SELECTIVE ATTENTION, AND EXPERTISE IN SOCCER

This research examined the relationship between visual search strategy selective attention, and expertise in soccer. Experienced (n = 12) an d less experienced (n = 12) soccer players moved in response to filmed offensive sequences. Experiment 1 examined differences in search stra tegy between the two groups, using an eye movement registration system . Experienced players demonstrated superior anticipation in 3-on-3 and 1-on-1 soccer simulations. There were no differences in search strate gy in 3-on-3 situations. In 1-on-1 simulations, the experienced player s had a higher search rate, involving more fixations of shorter durati on, and fixated for longer on the hip region, indicating that this are a was important in anticipating an opponent's movements. Experiment 2 examined the relationship between visual fixation and selective attent ion, using a spatial occlusion approach. In 3-on-3 situations, masking information ''pick up'' from areas other than the ball or ball passer had a more detrimental effect on the experienced players' performance s, suggesting differences in selective attention. In 1-on-1 situations , occluding an oncoming dribbler's head and shoulders, hips, or lower leg and ball region did not affect the experienced players' performanc e more than the less experienced group. The disparities in search stra tegy observed in Experiment 1 did not directly relate to differences i n information extraction. Experiment 3 used concurrent verbal reports to indicate where participants extracted information from while viewin g 3-on-3 sequences. Experienced players spent less time attending to t he ball or ball passer and more time on other areas of the display. Fi ndings highlight the advantages of integrating eye movements with more direct measures of selective attention.