Understanding the Presence of Mental Fatigue in Elite Female Football

Thompson, CJ ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5333-3616, Smith, A ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9801-3982, Coutts, AJ ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1782-7691, Skorski, S ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8449-6872, Datson, N ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5507-9540, Smith, MR ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8168-5405 and Meyer, T ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3425-4546 (2022) Understanding the Presence of Mental Fatigue in Elite Female Football. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 93 (3). pp. 504-515. ISSN 0270-1367

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Abstract

Purpose: Previous research investigating the impact of induced mental fatigue in football (soccer) has demonstrated associated performance decrements in physical, technical, tactical and decision-making performance. A common limitation amongst this research is the protocols used to induce mental fatigue which provides low ecological validity, and the inclusion of recreational or sub-elite players. Therefore, understanding the presence of mental fatigue in elite football can provide insight into protocols with greater ecological validity. Methods: The current study used focus groups with 10 elite female football players, focusing on five topics (travel, fixture congestion, receiving tactical information, pre-match routine and pressure to win) related to the perceived causes of mental fatigue in elite football (directed by anecdotal quotes in elite football and research-based theories). Results: Several themes emerged from the data; travel fatigue, inability to switch off from football, fatigue experienced following team meetings, use of pre-match music and internal pressure to succeed. Conclusion: These findings present practical recommendations to reduce mental fatigue in elite football settings, such as considering the timing, content and duration of team meetings, providing players with free time/rest where possible, and considering the modality of coaching instructions during matches.