Effect of a Structured Psychological Skills Training Program on Sports Competitiveness of Novice Youth Football Players
Author(s): Joel I James¹*, Lalit Sharma², Shivam Thapa3
Abstract:
Introduction: Psychological readiness is essential for athletic performance, particularly under competitive pressure (Alecu et al., 2025). While physical training is critical, research highlights the role of psychological skills training (PST) in optimizing performance outcomes and managing pre-competition states (Alecu et al., 2025). In youth football, competitiveness shapes motivation, effort, and psychological responses to pressure (Gill & Deeter, 1988). Objectives: This study evaluated the impact of a 15-session structured PST program on dimensions of competitiveness—Mastery Approach, Mastery Avoidance, Performance Approach, and Performance Avoidance among novice youth football players. Methods: Thirty novice youth football players (N=30) participated in a multimodal intervention. Each session lasted 10 minutes and was administered before training or competition. The program followed a 2-2-2-4-minute structure (Relaxation, Imagery, Positive Self-talk, Goal Setting). Data were collected using a 16-item Sports Competitiveness Inventory based on Achievement Goal Theory. Results: Paired sample t-tests revealed significant improvements in Mastery Approach Goals (Mean diff = -3.17, p<.001), Mastery Avoidance Goals (Mean diff = 3.90, p<.001), Performance Approach Goals (Mean diff = -2.37, p<.001), and Performance Avoidance Goals (Mean diff = 0.90, p=.001). Conclusions: A brief, structured PST program effectively enhances competitive goal orientations in novice athletes, supporting long-term psychological resilience and performance development.
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How to cite this article:
James. J. I., Sharma, L., Thapa, S. (2026). Effect of a Structured Psychological Skills Training Program on Sports Competitiveness of Novice Youth Football Players. The Scholars Time: A Multidisciplinary Journal of Research and Development. 09(03). 22-26