Impact of the Tactical Critical Thinking Program (TPCT) on ball control and passing accuracy in U-8 football players: A quasi-experimental study

Critical thinking plays a vital role in enhancing decision-making and technical skill development in football. This study investigated the impact of a Critical Thinking-based Tactical Training Program (TPCT) on specific technical skills—passing accuracy and ball control—in U-8 football players (mean age: 7.9 ± 0.7 years). A quasi-experimental design was employed with 32 participants (experimental group: n = 15, control group: n = 17). The experimental group underwent ten 60-min training sessions that combined tactical principles (width, penetration, mobility, space) with critical thinking exercises, while the control group followed traditional technical drills without tactical or cognitive components. The experimental group showed significant improvements in passing accuracy (Wilcoxon signed-rank test: W = 0.0, p = 0.002, effect size: −1.00) and ball control (paired t-test: t = 8.67, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 2.23). In contrast, the control group did not exhibit significant changes in either skill (p > 0.05). These results suggest that integrating tactical principles and critical thinking exercises into training enhances technical skills in young players. The TPCT offers a promising approach for improving player development, providing both technical and cognitive benefits in grassroots football training.