Evaluation of the ability to change direction in football according to predictability and level of attention

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the ability to change direction in football according to predictability and attention level. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 35 male football players (age = 17±3523 years, body weight = 66.025±12.402 kg, height = 172.714±7.861 cm) playing football in a team competing in the amateur football league in Ordu province. Players performed the CODAT test, the o-CODAT test, the modified CODAT (m-CODAT) test, and the tracking A-B test. For reliability analysis, the m-CODATtest was performed twice in different days. The effect of o-CODAT tests and tracking-A-B test values on CODAT and m-CODAT test values was determined by multiple linear regression analysis. For the reliability analysis of the m-CODAT test, the intra-class correlation coefficient between the two tests values was examined based on the test-retest technique. The validity of the m-CODAT test was determined by the Pearson correlation coefficient between the CODAT and m-CODAT test values according to criterion validity technique. The significance level was applied as p<0.05 in all tests. Results: According to the results of the analysis, significant relationships were determined between m-CODAT test and o-CODAT tests, tracking A-B tests and CODAT test values (p<0.05). It was observed that the intraclass correlation coefficient between first and second m-CODAT tests values was high (r=0,789). A moderate relationship was determined between the values of the m-CODAT and the CODAT test (p<0.05). According to the linear regression models, it was determined that the o-CODAT visual left test values had a significant effect on the m-CODAT test value and explained 39.4% of the total variance in this test value (R=0.627; R²=0.394; F(1, 33) =21.421; p<0.05). Conclusions: Consequently, it was determined that the m-CODAT test values were related to the o-CODAT, tracking A, B and CODAT test values. The findings reveal that the m-CODAT test can be used as a valid and reliable test in the evaluation of change of direction ability in football.