This study compares the effects of Coach Verbal Encouragement (CVE) and Peer Verbal Encouragement (PVE) on working memory performance, assessed through reaction times, and on affective responses. Twenty-six adolescent male mini-football players (average age 14.23 ± 1.58 years) participated in a randomized, counterbalanced crossover study. Participants were assigned to Group 1 (G1), which first completed training sessions with CVE followed by PVE, and Group 2 (G2), which experienced the sessions in the opposite order (PVE first, CVE second). Reaction times and post-exercise Feeling Scale scores were measured following each minifootball session under both PVE and CVE conditions. Working memory performance was assessed using the Sternberg paradigm, in which reaction times immediately after each session reflected the combined effects of physical exercise and verbal encouragement. Reaction time analyses indicated that G1 exhibited faster responses after PVE at the “one-item level,” reflecting enhanced working memory performance under low cognitive load (p = 0.003), whereas G2 responded faster after CVE at both the “one-item” (p = 0.014) and “three-item” levels (p < 0.001). Affective responses increased significantly when participants transitioned from PVE to CVE (F = 25.283; p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.513) and decreased when switching from CVE to PVE, with Feeling Scale scores being higher under coach verbal encouragement. Although verbal encouragement can enhance working memory, as reflected by faster reaction times, the most pronounced and meaningful effect was on affective responses. CVE, in particular, appears effective in promoting positive emotional states and optimizing cognitive performance under increased cognitive load, highlighting practical implications for youth sports training. • External verbal encouragement during Minifootball sessions enhances working memory performance. • Working memory tasks integrated with Minifootball training reveal cognitive benefits. • Verbal motivation improves post-exercise cognitive function and a affective responses in young athletes.
Hawani et al. (Fri,) studied this question.