Adaptive perceptual-motor behavior and performance in football (soccer): The role of peripheral vision

BACKGROUND: The restriction of peripheral vision (PV), such as when athletes wear protective gear that limits their field of view, can significantly impair performance in fast-paced sports like football. This study investigated how restricting PV affects exploratory behaviors, specifically head movements, and subsequent performance outcomes in football. AIM: By examining these factors, we aimed to understand how PV mediates the connection between perception and action in dynamic sports environments. METHODS: Ten intermediate level male football players participated in a simulated receiving-passing task. They were required to quickly determine the direction of a pass to one of four surrounding targets immediately after gaining simulated possession of the ball. The frequency and excursion of head movement were recorded before and during ball possession, as well as the pass response time and the correct identification of a team player. Specialized tunnel vision goggles restricting PV were used to investigate differences between normal and restricted vision. RESULTS: Paired t-tests revealed that participants made significantly fewer head turns, responded significantly slower, and performed significantly worse when wearing goggles, indicating that restricting PV altered exploratory behavior and negatively impacted performance. INTERPRETATION: These findings highlight the role of PV in facilitating efficient environmental scanning and effective decision-making in dynamic sports contexts, underscoring its contribution to enhancing athletes' perceptual-motor performance in football. We conclude that the use of equipment that restricts PV, such as certain protective gear or face masks, may adversely affect athletes' situational awareness and overall performance on the field.