Visual Cognition and Experience Mediate the Relation between Age and Decision Making in Youth Volleyball Players

SIGNIFICANCE Experts in different sports show superior decision-making skills compared with novices, but little is known about its development youth players. This study shows that the age-related improvements visual cognition and accumulation of sport-specific experience explain a considerable amount decision making volleyball. PURPOSE The aim this was to investigate mediating effects volleyball on relationship between age METHODS A total 171 female players aged 6 17 years performed sport-specific, video-based test making, as well four tests. Using structural equation modeling, we examined if latent variable constructed from tests act parallel mediators association making. RESULTS multiple mediation model for supported Moreover, significant indirect nonsignificant direct effect indicated fully mediated relation together 38% variance performance. both were not significantly different, there no residual correlation cognition, which indicates these are unrelated each other. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate mediate independently, they influence parts process. These results highlight importance perceptual-cognitive skill young players, future research should further their underlying factors kinds sports.