scholarly journals Mental Toughness in Talented Youth Tennis Players: A Comparison Between on-Court Observations and a Self-Reported Measure

2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruben Houwer ◽  
Tamara Kramer ◽  
Ruud den Hartigh ◽  
Nikki Kolman ◽  
Marije Elferink-Gemser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Self ◽  
Mental Toughness ◽  
Psychological State ◽  
Emotional Control ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Tennis Players ◽  
Junior Tennis ◽  
Elite Level ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractIn tennis, mental toughness is often considered highly important in achieving the elite level. The current study is the first to examine behavioural expressions of mental toughness on the court and their relationships with self-reported measures. Based on the input of five experienced tennis coaches of junior tennis players and behaviours used in previous studies, we developed a taxonomy consisting of six positive behaviours and ten negative ones. To investigate the relationship between these on-court behaviours of mental toughness and how the players rated their own mental toughness, emotional control in particular, six talented tennis players (aged 10-13) were recorded during tennis matches and filled out the self-reported measure of mental toughness (MTQ48). The intra- and inter-rater reliability of the taxonomy was high. With regard to the relationships between on-court behaviours and self-reported mental toughness (total score and subscale emotional control), results revealed no significant correlations between the ratios of positive and negative behaviours (range r = -0.49 - 0.11, p > 0.05) or between the variability of negative behaviours (r = 0.54 & r = 0.10, p > 0.05) and the self-reported measure. However, interestingly, we found negative correlations between the variability of positive behaviours and self-reported mental toughness (r = -0.93 & r = -0.84, ρ < 0.05). These results indicate that variability in on-court behaviours provides interesting information about tennis players’ mental toughness, more specifically on the (in)stability of their psychological state during a match.

scholarly journals On the mental toughness of self-aware athletes: Evidence from competitive tennis players

2017 ◽  
Vol Volume 113 (Number 1/2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard G. Cowden ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Multivariate Regression ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
The Self ◽  
Mental Toughness ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Tennis Players ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract This study examined the relationship between mental toughness (MT) and self-awareness in a sample of 175 male and 158 female South African tennis athletes (mean age = 29.09 years, s.d. = 14.00). The participants completed the Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire and the Self-Reflection and Insight Scale to assess MT (confidence, constancy, control) and self-awareness (self-reflection and self-insight) dimensions, respectively. Linear regression indicated that self-insight (β=0.49), but not self-reflection (β=0.02), predicted global MT. Multivariate regression analyses were significant for self-reflection (ηp²=0.11) and self-insight (ηp²=0.24). Self-reflection predicted confidence and constancy (ηp²=0.05 and 0.06, respectively), whereas self-insight predicted all three MT subcomponents (ηp²=0.12 to 0.14). The findings extend prior qualitative research evidence supporting the relevance of self-awareness to the MT of competitive tennis athletes, with self-reflection and insight forming prospective routes through which athletes’ MT may be developed.

The Relationship between Observable Self-Talk and Competitive Junior Tennis Players' Match Performances

1994 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 400-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy L. Van Raalte ◽  
Britten W. Brewer ◽  
Patricia M. Rivera ◽  
Albert J. Petitpas
Keyword(s):  
Sport Psychology ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Sport Performance ◽  
Cognitive Factors ◽  
Competitive Sport ◽  
Tennis Players ◽  
Self Talk ◽  
Junior Tennis ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Broad Interest

In sport psychology, there is broad interest in cognitive factors that affect sport performance. The purpose of this research was to examine one such factor, self-talk, in competitive sport performance. Twenty-four junior tennis players were observed during tournament matches. Their observable self-talk, gestures, and match scores were recorded. Players also described their positive, negative, and other thoughts on a postmatch questionnaire. A descriptive analysis of the self-talk and gestures that occurred during competition was generated. It was found that negative self-talk was associated with losing and that players who reported believing in the utility of self-talk won more points than players who did not. These results suggest that self-talk influences competitive sport outcomes. The importance of "believing" in self-talk and the potential motivational and detrimental effects of negative self-talk on performance are discussed.

scholarly journals Relationships Between Flow, Mental Toughness, and Subjective Performance Perception in Various Triathletes

2018 ◽  
Vol 126 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Meggs ◽  
Mark A. Chen ◽  
Stefan Koehn
Keyword(s):  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Mental Toughness ◽  
Performance Ratings ◽  
Emotional Control ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Significant Positive Relationship ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Perceived Performance ◽  
Dispositional Flow ◽  
The Relationship

This study examined the relationship between mental toughness (MT), subjectively perceived performance, and dispositional flow in a sample of 114 high-performing ironmen and standard distance triathletes ( Mage = 28.81 years, SD = 3.45) recruited from triathlon clubs. Participants completed the Mental Toughness Questionnaire, Dispositional Flow Scale, and self-rated subjectively perceived performance. Pearson’s correlations between these measures revealed a significant, positive relationship between global MT and subjective performance ratings ( r = .62, p < .01) and between global MT and all Dispositional Flow subscales ( r = .67–.81, p < .05). Linear regression analyses found that MT subscales accounted for 64% of the variance in dispositional flow. Subjective performance ratings did not add significantly to the regression model. Overall, these findings suggest that MT may contribute positively to ironman competitors’ and triathletes’ exertion of the cognitive and emotional control necessary to experience flow and perform better. We discuss these results in the context of ironman and triathlon competitions.

scholarly journals The Self-Regulatory and Task-Specific Strategies of Elite-Level Amateur Golfers in Tournament Preparation

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 169-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jarred Pilgrim ◽  
Peter Kremer ◽  
Sam Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
The Self ◽  
Psychological State ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Elite Level ◽  
Strategy And Structure ◽  
And Task

Little is known regarding the factors that are important for tournament preparation in golf. Eighteen elite amateur golfers and 12 expert coaches/practitioners were interviewed to identify the self-regulatory and task-specific strategies important for tournament preparation. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: understanding tournament preparation, planning, tournament preparation strategies, and self-reflection. Players used specific strategies to optimize their physiological and psychological state, develop course strategy, and structure and implement preparatory routines. The findings of this study have implications for coaches and players in developing a system for preparation, and could provide a framework to improve coaching curricula and guide further research.

scholarly journals The relationship of some physical variables and performance angles to the strength of the straight serve for junior tennis

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 0061
Author(s):  
Zainab Shakir ◽  
Dr. Widad Kadhum
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Tennis Ball ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Correlation Relationship ◽  
Tennis Players ◽  
Junior Tennis ◽  
Physical Variables ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

The problem of the research in determining the appropriate angles in the strength of serve for tennis age (14-16) year according to the specific biomechanical conditions, and the extent of the relationship of each variable of the physical variables in the successful performance of the skill of serve, and achieving the strength of transmission for tennis age (14-16) year, and it is one of the biomechanical principles that can be used in evaluating the angles of body parts. age (14-16) year tennis players. The aim of the research is to identify the percentage of the contribution of some physical variables of the straight serve for tennis juniors, and the percentage of the contribution of some corners of the body to the strength of serve for the tennis age (14-16) year (18) players. The two researchers reached a number of results, the most important of which are: There is a statistically significant correlation between some physical abilities and body angles with the straight serve for tennis players. The lower the angles (elbow, shoulder, knee for the front leg) at the moment of hitting the tennis ball, the stronger the serve will be. Correlation relationship with some biomechanical variables, because the skill of serve requires the strength of the striking arm during the performance of the straight serve

scholarly journals Are Self-Talk and Mental Toughness Level Prerequisites Besides the Kick Boxing Education Level in Athletes?

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 105
Author(s):  
Yasemin YALÇIN ◽  
Fatma TURAN
Keyword(s):  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
The Self ◽  
Mental Toughness ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Self Talk ◽  
Levene Test ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Skewness And Kurtosis

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between self-talk and mental toughness levels of kickboxers and to compare the differences between the self-talk and mental toughness of the athletes according to the independent variables obtained from the personal information of the athletes participating in the research. The study group of the research consists of athletes who participated in kickboxing competitions in Turkey (n=223). 120 (53.8%) of the athletes are women and 103 (46.2%) are men. In the study, the &ldquo;Self-Talk Questionnaire&rdquo; adapted to the Turkish athlete population by Eng&uuml;r (2011) and the &ldquo;Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire&rdquo; adapted to Turkish by Altıntaş and Bayar Koru&ccedil; (2016) is used. It is decided whether the data met the prerequisites of the parametric tests by examining the Skewness and Kurtosis values (normal distribution of the data) and the Levene test (equality of variance) results. As a result, correlation analysis is used to determine the relationships between the variables, and t-test and ANOVA analyses are used to determine the differences. As a result of the research, it is determined that there is a positive and significant relationship between self-talk and mental toughness. Mental toughness is accepted as a term that trainers, managers and athletes attach importance to, and it is considered a prerequisite for sportive success. The fact that there is a positive and significant relationship between self-talk and mental toughness suggests that self-talk is also a predictor of performance. At the point of achieving success, the inner messages that the athlete will give themselves will increase their mental toughness and will be reflected in the sports environment, training or competition.

Enhancing Physical Performance in Elite Junior Tennis Players With a Caffeinated Energy Drink

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
César Gallo-Salazar ◽  
Francisco Areces ◽  
Javier Abián-Vicén ◽  
Beatriz Lara ◽  
Juan José Salinero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Energy Drink ◽  
Maximal Velocity ◽  
Tennis Players ◽  
Ball Velocity ◽  
Junior Tennis ◽  
Elite Level ◽  
Gps Devices ◽  
Placebo Drink

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a caffeinated energy drink to enhance physical performance in elite junior tennis players. In 2 different sessions separated by 1 wk, 14 young (16 ± 1 y) elite-level tennis players ingested 3 mg caffeine per kg body mass in the form of an energy drink or the same drink without caffeine (placebo). After 60 min, participants performed a handgrip-strength test, a maximal-velocity serving test, and an 8 × 15-m sprint test and then played a simulated singles match (best of 3 sets). Instantaneous running speed during the matches was assessed using global positioning (GPS) devices. Furthermore, the matches were videotaped and notated afterward. In comparison with the placebo drink, the ingestion of the caffeinated energy drink increased handgrip force by ~4.2% ± 7.2% (P = .03) in both hands, the running pace at high intensity (46.7 ± 28.5 vs 63.3 ± 27.7 m/h, P = .02), and the number of sprints (12.1 ± 1.7 vs 13.2 ± 1.7, P = .05) during the simulated match. There was a tendency for increased maximal running velocity during the sprint test (22.3 ± 2.0 vs 22.9 ± 2.1 km/h, P = .07) and higher percentage of points won on service with the caffeinated energy drink (49.7% ± 9.8% vs 56.4% ± 10.0%, P = .07) in comparison with the placebo drink. The energy drink did not improve ball velocity during the serving test (42.6 ± 4.8 vs 42.7 ± 5.0 m/s, P = .49). The preexercise ingestion of caffeinated energy drinks was effective to enhance some aspects of physical performance of elite junior tennis players.

scholarly journals Lumbar spine abnormalities and facet joint angles in asymptomatic elite junior tennis players

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Molly Connolly ◽  
Andrew H. Rotstein ◽  
Justin Roebert ◽  
Rafal Grabinski ◽  
Frank Malara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Spine ◽  
Bone Marrow Edema ◽  
Facet Joint ◽  
Joint Angles ◽  
Joint Orientation ◽  
Tennis Players ◽  
Facet Joint Degeneration ◽  
Junior Tennis ◽  
Spine Abnormalities ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background Lumbar spine abnormalities, in particular stress fractures to the pars interarticularis, are common in elite junior tennis players, though the difference in prevalence between males and females remains unclear. Further, facet joint orientation appears to be a possible option for recognizing which players might go on to present with a pars stress fracture. Given the link between pars stress fractures and low back pain in tennis players, it appears logical to explore the link between facet joint angle and pars abnormalities. Thus, the purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of lumbar spine abnormalities and explore the relationship between facet joint orientation and pars abnormalities in elite adolescent tennis players. Methodology Lumbar spine MRI images of 25 elite junior tennis players were obtained and distributed between five radiologists for analysis. Descriptive comparisons and confidence intervals were used to describe the prevalence of the abnormalities. A generalized linear regression model was conducted to investigate the relationship between lumbar pars abnormalities and lumbar facet joint angles. Results Sixteen (64%) of 25 players were found to have at least one lumbar spine abnormality. Pars abnormalities affected 36% of players while bone marrow edema was found in 24% of players. Disc herniation, disc degeneration, and facet joint degeneration were diagnosed in 20%, 44%, and 24% of players respectively. Lastly, one player (4%) was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis. Females had significantly larger facet joint angles across L3/4 L5/S1 compared to males (p < 0.01). Further, those who had pars abnormalities had larger facet joint angles compared to those who did not (p < 0.001). Conclusion Disc degeneration, pars abnormalities, including bone marrow edema, and facet joint degeneration were common findings among elite adolescent tennis players. Additionally, this study is the first to discover that pars abnormalities are linked to facet joint angle in elite adolescent tennis players. This finding might assist in identifying tennis players at a greater risk of developing lumbar spine pars abnormalities in the future.

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