The Effect of Zone 14 and Traditional Football Training on Cognitive Flexibility, Grit and Athletic Success of Young Iraqi Football Players

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Motor Behavior and Sport Psychology, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.

2 ِDepartment of Motor Behavior and Sport Psychology, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.

3 Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Babylon University, Babylon, Iraq.

4 Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Yadegar-e-Imam Khomeini (RAH) Shahre-rey Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22034/mmbj.2026.68261.1207

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of twelve weeks of football training in the “Zone 14” area of the field on cognitive flexibility, grit, and athletic success of Iraqi football players. In this semi-experimental study, 50 male players aged 20 to 25 were randomly assigned to 2 experimental (Zone 14 and traditional training) groups. The Zone 14 group trained in Zone 14 for twelve weeks, three sessions per week, each session lasting 45 minutes, while the traditional training group continued their regular training routines. Results of covariance analysis indicated that training in Zone 14 significantly enhanced cognitive flexibility and grit. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis showed that both cognitive flexibility and grit significantly predicted sports success. The findings suggest that training under pressure conditions, such as Zone 14, can improve psychological traits, grit, and athletic success, with increases in these variables playing a crucial role in enhancing sports performance. Based on these results, it is recommended that training and educational programs focus on developing cognitive flexibility and grit to boost athletic success.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Mind, Movement, and Behavior

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 16 May 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 17 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 11 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 16 May 2026

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