Psychological determinants of performance in women's football: a systematic review on resilience, anxiety, motivation and cohesion
A summary of the research:
This research paper looks at the important mental aspects that affect how well young women play soccer. The study reviewed 11 research articles to understand how things like being mentally strong, managing anxiety, feeling motivated, and working well with teammates influence performance. The review found that all these psychological factors play a big role in both how individual players and the whole team perform. For example, players who are mentally tough can handle pressure better and bounce back from mistakes. Also, managing anxiety helps players stay focused during important moments. Feeling driven from within and believing in yourself also leads to better effort and results. Finally, when players on a team trust and support each other, they tend to communicate better and perform at a higher level.
The study concluded that coaches have a big impact on players' mental states and performance. By creating a positive environment where players feel motivated and supported, coaches can help build their players' mental strength and confidence. The research suggests that incorporating mental skills training alongside physical practice is essential for developing well-rounded and successful female soccer players. Understanding these psychological factors can help coaches create better training programs and strategies to improve both individual player development and overall team success.
Here are three key takeaways from the article's results that are practical and actionable for coaches and administrators in women's soccer:
Actively work to build mental toughness and resilience in players. The review highlights that mental toughness is crucial for handling pressure and setbacks. Coaches can implement strategies like setting challenging but achievable goals, encouraging positive self-talk after mistakes, and creating game-like scenarios in training to help players develop these skills. Administrators can support this by providing resources for mental skills training, such as workshops or access to sports psychologists.
Foster a positive motivational climate that emphasizes personal growth and team cohesion. The research indicates that intrinsic motivation and strong team unity are linked to better performance. Coaches should focus on praising effort and improvement, providing opportunities for players to have input, and organizing team-building activities to strengthen relationships and trust. Administrators can help by promoting a club culture that values teamwork and player development over solely focusing on winning.
Recognize and address the impact of anxiety on performance. The study notes that anxiety can negatively affect players, especially younger ones. Coaches should be aware of signs of anxiety in their players and create a supportive environment where it's okay to discuss these feelings. They can also teach players basic anxiety management techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization. Administrators could consider offering workshops on stress management for players and coaches.
Authors: Javier Ventaja-Cruz, Jesús Manuel Cuevas Rincón, Virginia Tejada-Medina, and Martín-Moya, Ricardo
You can read the entire article here.
