Cross-validation of the Soccer Defending Skill Scale (SDSS)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to confirm the cross validity of the Soccer Defending Skill Scale (SDSS) using multiple-group analysis by a structural equation modeling. Methods: The samples were 469 defending performances in the final of FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan 2002^™, which were measured with 6-point interval scales by distances, angles between attackers and defenders, and the number of players. Results: Results indicated the model, which held factor loading, factor variance/covariance, factor correlation, and uniqueness invariant across two random groups, represented an acceptable fit to the data (e. g., TLI = .993, CFI = .995, RMSEA = .017). Also, each defending skill of different aspects had moderate to high effects on observed variables. Conclusion: It was concluded that these findings provided strong support for the cross validity of the SDSS.