Small-sided games can discriminate perceptual-cognitive-motor capability and predict disposal efficiency in match performance of skilled Australian footballers.

This study determined if small-sided games could discriminate perceptual-cognitive-motor skill in Australian Rules Footballers. Higher skilled Western Australian Football League (WAFL) (n = 17) and lesser skilled Amateur (n = 23) players were recruited. Participants played three small-sided games of three minutes. Each disposal was scored for decision-making and motor skill execution, with these scores combined for a total score. Mann-Whitney U tests indicated significantly superior mean decision-making by higher skilled (M = 2.9, SD = 0.02) over lesser skilled (M = 2.7, SD = 0.04) (p = .012) players. Execution score was not significantly different between groups. Linear mixed model analysis found higher skilled players (M = 5.3, SD = 0.08) scored significantly higher than lower skilled players (M = 4.9, SD = 0.13) on total score (p = .009). Large effect sizes were found for decision-making and total score relative to games and position played in WAFL players. High agreement of scoring was observed for an elite (inter-rater) and a novice (intra-rater) coaches. Linear mixed model analysis indicated mean total scores of WAFL players significantly predicted disposal efficiency in match performance (p = .011). Small-sided games can be easily implemented to identify talented players and assess perceptual-cognitive-motor skill. Mann-Whitney U tests indicated significantly superior median decision-making by higher skilled (Median = 2.90, Range = 0.30) and lower skilled (Median = 2.80, Range = 0.73) (p = .012).