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 aspect 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 decision-making process. Phase transitions analysis also provides a means to understand the micro-macro link. In this position paper, we explain how individuals perform decision-making behaviours in a minimal social performance unit (competing dyads), how groups or teams perform decision-making behaviours, and how these two levels are linked, originating system transitions at the macro level, i.e., the team level. Finally we discuss some applications of the understanding of the micro-macro link for the design of training programmes in sport.