Relationship between Logical Ability and Tactical Understanding in Women’s Soccer

Abstract

In soccer, techniques, followed by situational judgment, heavily influences victory or defeat. Logical ability in sports is thought to be associated with situational judgment, coupled with the judgment of individual players and the general manager’s tactical understanding. This study aims to examine the factors related to understanding the coach’s tactical strategies from the perspective of logical ability. The study surveyed 52 university students and 16 high school students belonging to soccer clubs for women. We evaluated players’ level of understanding regarding the coach’s tactics through video tasks. The students were then classified into high-, middle-, and low rank groups in depending on their scores. Further, the study examined the difference in factor scores among the groups by using an evaluation scale designed to measure logical ability in sports. The results highlighted that the factor scores for logical ability in terms of analysis, discovery, explanation, and communication were significantly higher for the high- and middle rank groups compared. Moreover, the low rank group exhibited low levels for “speed of judgment on the flow of the game” and “willingness to share ideas with teammates,” suggesting that these aspects significantly influence tactical understanding.