Journal #8

Journal # 8 It has always been thought that most athletes have very limited brain power. However, recent studies reveal that these stereotyping is far from the truth. Top soccer players have been found to have superior brain powers. The parts of their brains that are responsible for abstract thinking and planning were found to have superior capabilities because of the superior functions that they serve. These functions were found to be better with elite players than the less elite players (Bhanoo 1).
The claims that top soccer scorers have superior brain functions and capabilities have been justified by the fact that they have to make very crucial decisions before scoring top goals. These decisions are very fundamental to the way these players score goals. A neuroscientist from the Karolinska Institute, Sweden, argues that the process of scoring top goals by these players entails working with information quickly, and making accurate and timely decisions about the situation (Bhanoo 1).
Researchers have also proved that more brain power can be seen in top soccer scorers by conducting standardized tests on different players. These tests were meant to assess and gauge rule making skills, creativity, and problem solving skills. The people who scores highest were the Swedish soccer players who belong to some of the most elite leagues. Players belonging to lower divisions followed. The non-players that underwent the test finished behind the top players and the players of lower divisions. The differences were notably huge. This led to the conclusion that strong brain executive functions are necessary for one to become a good player (Bhanoo 1).
Work Cited
Bhanoo, Sindya A. More Brain Power Seen in Soccer’s Top Scorers. The New York Times 9 Apr. 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2012.