Design and validation of decision-making software in Futsal

Document Type : Original Article/Open Access/ Released under (CC BY-NC 4.0) license

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student, Department of Sport Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences – Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health – University of Tehran – Tehran – Iran

2 Professor, Department of Sport Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences – Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health – University of Tehran – Tehran – Iran

Abstract

The present study aimed to design and validate a software application for assessing decision-making speed and accuracy in futsal players. Given the lack of standardized tools with confirmed validity and reliability in this domain, the software was developed using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS programming languages and was deployed on a Windows platform. A set of 70 selected images from international futsal competitions, curated by experienced coaches and instructors, was loaded into the software as test stimuli. During the test, participants were required to make the most appropriate decision—pass, shoot, or dribble—in the shortest possible time and with high accuracy. To assess the concurrent validity of the software, its results were compared with those of an established football decision-making assessment tool. Reliability was evaluated through a test-retest procedure with a one-week interval, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated. The results indicated that the developed software demonstrated satisfactory validity for both decision-making speed (r = 0.87) and accuracy (r = 0.78). Additionally, the reliability values for speed (r = 0.82) and accuracy (r = 0.73) were deemed acceptable. Given its low cost, user-friendly interface, and independence from internet connectivity, the introduced software serves as a practical and flexible tool for researchers and coaches alike.

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Main Subjects


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