Self-regulation: a single-case study on elite youth soccer players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine whether a self-regulation training program would affect two elite soccer players daily use of planning, self-monitoring, evaluation and reflection. In addition, the players‘ performance with the ball was documented and analyzed to see whether the training program affected on-field performance. This study utilized a single-case design and included a baseline period (4 practices for both players) and an intervention period (3 practices for player one and 4 practices for player two). The training program was implemented before (planning and self-monitoring) and after (evaluation and reflection) each practice session. The players completed a questionnaire before the start of the intervention as well as at the end of the intervention period to look at changes in the use of self-regulation from pre- to post-intervention. In addition the players were filmed during practice games and their performance with the ball was subsequently evaluated by the author and an independent and experienced soccer coach. In addition, a short questionnaire was completed at the end of each practice session throughout the intervention period to track changes. The results suggest that both players increased their use of self-regulation, and improved their performance with the ball during the intervention period (no tests for significance were performed). Looking at differences, one of the players seemed motivated and genuinely interested in the intervention from the onset, while the other player didn‘t show the same enthusiasm. Summed up, this being a pilot study, there are indications that the self-regulation training program had a positive effect on the players use of self-regulation as well as performance with the ball.