The micro-macro link in understanding sport tactical behaviours: Integrating information and action at different levels of system analysis in sport

Abstract

The micro-macro link is a central issue of human movement sciences because it directly refers to coordination and scalability of movement behaviour at different levels of analysis in a complex system. This feature of complexity is a key feature to consider decisions and actions as transitional behaviours at different levels during performance. Transitions expressed through bifurcations are an important part of a universal decisionmaking process. Here we explain how individuals perform decision-making behaviours in a minimal social performance unit ( competing dyads), and how these two levels are linked in a sports team. Finally we discuss some applications of the micro-macro links for the design of training programmes in team sports.