Cognitive functions and their influence on the effectiveness of tactical decisions in volleyball players

this study investigated the complex relationship between cognitive abilities and tactical decision-making performance in volleyball athletes of different training levels. A cohort of amateur and professional players underwent a series of psychometric tests, including Stroop's test of attentional acuity, N-back tasks for working memory stability, and a sensorimotor response latency assessment. Tactical skill was assessed using expert judgements of strategic actions in the game, supplemented by quantitative measures such as error rates and action success rates. The intervention phase included a cognitive conditioning protocol including neuroplasticity-enhancing exercises aimed at enhancing attention modulation, memorising mnemonics and calibrating fast reaction times. Statistical analysis revealed a robust positive correlation (r = 0.72, p < 0.01) between improved working memory capacity and tactical agility, indicating a key role for cognitive adaptability in high stakes sporting scenarios. The post-intervention improvement in reaction speed averaged 9% (p < 0.05), accompanied by an 11% improvement in strategic accuracy. Professional athletes demonstrated a 15% higher cognitive performance index compared to their amateur counterparts, highlighting the synergistic interaction between experience, neurocognitive ability and competitive skill. These results support the need to incorporate structured cognitive training into traditional sport paradigms to enhance decision-making acuity and optimise competitive performance. Future research should determine the longitudinal effects of sustained cognitive training and examine the interindividual variability of neurocognitive adaptability across sport disciplines.

cognitive training, tactical decision making, volleyball game, reaction speed