Abstract

This work studies the capacity to trace trajectories from infancy to adult age and how some variables can influence this capacity of perception as well as the type of sport practised, the ability and experience in playing football, the sex of the subject or the state of the visual function. The sample was made up of 98 boys and girls volunteers, with different sporting experience. The perception of trajectories was judged on a combination of Precision and Anticipation in making a decision, tossing footballs into a landing area, The subject had to decide where the ball was going to land with the best anticipation and precision possible. The study revealed significant differences in the perception of trajectories in respect to the age, the type of sport practised and the sex of the subject. The perception of trajectories improved with age, is best in sports people with ball and players of football and indoor football, and is better in boys than girls. Other variables such as total sporting practice, and football ability appear to be directly connected to the efficiency in the perception of the trajectories of footballs.