Mental qualities and employed mental techniques of young elite team sport athletes.
Open accessAbstract
Research on the psychological characteristics of elite performers has primarily focused on Olympic and World champions; however, the mental attributes of young developing and talented athletes have received less attention. Addressing this, the current study had two aims: (a) to examine the perceptions held by youth athletes regarding the mental qualities they need to facilitate their development and (b) to investigate the mental techniques used by these athletes. Forty-three male youth rugby players participated in a series of focus groups. Inductive content analysis revealed 11 categories of psychological qualities, including enjoyment, responsibility, adaptability, squad spirit, self-aware learner, determination, confidence, optimal performance state, game sense, attentional focus, and mental toughness. Techniques employed included personal performance strategies, refection on action, taking advantage of a supportive climate, and team-based strategies. Findings are discussed in relation to their implications for mental skills training program development and evaluation in the case of youth elite team sport athletes.
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References 52 · Cited by 83
- Authors
- Holland, M. J. G., Woodcock, C., Cumming, J., & Duda, J. L.
- Affiliations
- University of Birmingham (GB)
- Venue
- Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology
- Publisher
- Human Kinetics
- Published
- 2010-03
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 19-38
- ISSN
- 1932-9261 (ISSN-L)
- 1932-927X
- OpenAlex
- W2147727915
- Cited by
- 83
- References
- 52
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 16 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 8 · 2013: 5 · 2012: 1
- FWCI
- 7.98
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- Licence
- other-oa
- Locations
- Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology (publishedVersion)
- University of Birmingham Institutional Research Archive (University of Birmingham) (acceptedVersion)
- University of Birmingham Research Portal (University of Birmingham) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Sport Psychology and Performance
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports Performance and Training
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports
- Keywords
- youth athletes, psychological quality, mental techniques, rugby, mental training, mental toughness, attentional focus, self-awareness, team spirit, athlete perceptions
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