Motor-cognitive maturity in soccer of students in elementary education.

Abstract

The aim of the study was identify the motor-cognitive maturity in soccer students in basic education, to receive technical guidance according to their individual profile. Based on the research question: How can you identify the motor-cognitive maturity in soccer students in basic education? The research was conducted in a non-experimental, descriptive and mixed approach framework. The study was conducted in the months of March, April and May 2014 a sample of 50 children from each of the levels of basic education were selected. Secondary and kinder, elementary; making a total of 150 students, who were invited to participate voluntarily in a soccer tournament. Non-participant observation of children playing soccer for 20 minutes was performed. Game actions were videotaped for later analysis and individual assessment of the level of motor-cognitive maturity in football. It is confirmed that cognitive development achieved in childhood is related to the motor-cognitive development in football, being necessary to consider that soccer is the most popular sport among school children. It is recommended to encourage physical activity to elementary school children to contribute to cognitive development expected for their age. We conclude that the instrument is valid for the classification level motor-cognitive development in soccer, as it allows characterizing children and placing them according to the stage of maturity reached.