Football-specific training in sub-elite youth athletes to improve cognitive–motor performance

Abstract Background In football, combined cognitive and motor skills are of great importance. However, cognitive–motor testing and training is often conducted under isolated laboratory conditions, limiting its applicability to team training on the field. The aim of this study was to develop a cognitive–motor training schedule including football-specific elements and to test whether an 8‑week on-field training intervention could improve perceptual cognitive abilities and game performance in sub-elite youth football players. Methods In this quasi-experimental study, 35 players aged 16–17 years were divided into an intervention (IG, n = 18) and a control group (CG, n = 17). The IG completed 20 min of cognitive–motor training three times a week, integrated into their regular training schedule. The CG maintained their usual training schedule. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Trail Making Test (TMT) and the Trail Walking Test (TWT), while passing performance was assessed in a game situation test. Statistical analysis was conducted using two-way repeated measures ANOVA (group*time). Results Significant improvements were observed in cognitive and motor performance and executive functions on the TWT and TMT: Group*Time for TWT 3, F (1.33) = 18,703, p < 0.001, partial η 2 = 0.362; TMT 1, F (1.33) = 16,842, p < 0.001, partial η 2 = 0.338; TMT 3, F (1.33) = 4422, p < 0.048, partial η 2 = 0.113. However, there were no significant changes in passing ability in both temporal and group comparisons across all categories (pass rate in %; delivered passes; incomplete passes; expert rating passing difficulty; expert rating passing quality). Conclusion The intervention had a significant effect on the cognitive performance of the IG. Despite the absence of significant enhancements in football-specific factors in the test situation after the intervention, coaches reported improvements in players’ game performance. Future studies should utilize an adapted test scenario that incorporates improved in-field testing, longer intervention periods, and performance ratings by the coaches.