The Effect of Video Imagery Training on Soccer Skills Performance of High School Players

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of PETTLEP video imagery onreactive motor skill test (Total RMST time, sprint time, reactive agility time, passing time, and passing accuracy) among 32 Malaysian high school soccer players (mean age of 15.31±1.83) who were randomly assigned into an experimental group (N:16) and a control group (N:16). A pre-test-post-test design was used to evaluate the effect of the intervention on the high schoolplayers' soccer skill performance. The experimental group received 10-minute PETTLEP video imagery trainingbefore their regular soccer training for eight weeks in addition to their regular soccer training, while thecontrol group only attended their regular soccer training. The data analysis revealed a significant effect of video imagery training on players' performance in the experimental group. The results showed that total RMST time, reactive agility time, passing time, and passing accuracy were statistically different within the experimental group F(15, 154.993)= 14.440, p = < .001, Wilks' Λ = .050 and between groups F(5, 56.00)=379.774, p = < .001, Wilks' Λ = .050 after receiving the training, except for the sprint time which was not significant. The findings of this study provide evidence that eight weeks ofPETTLEPvideo imagery training interventioncan significantly improve soccer players' total RMST time, reactive agility time, passing time, and passing accuracy. These findings could be integrated into training programs by coaches and players in order to improve the performance of different soccer skills among high school players.