The Effect of Integrating Mental and Skill Training on Enhancing Skill Performance under Competitive Pressure in U18 Basketball Players
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37359/JOPE.V38(2)2026.2428Keywords:
mental training, skill training, performance stability, competitive pressure, basketballAbstract
This study sought to examine whether the combination of mental and skill training enhanced performance stability under competitive pressure in u-18 basketball players. The experimental research was conducted pretesting and post testing with a two-equivalent groups design. The sample for the current study was comprised of 12 subjects, who were randomly divided into two groups of six. Integrated mental and skill training A combined nine-weeks of mental and skills training program (3 times per week) was given to experimental group, however normal training programmed were allotted to the control one. The basketball-specific skill tests and a competitive golf anxiety scale were administered to obtain the data that was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings identified variables with significant differences in terms of the experimental group performance, such as an increase on shooting accuracy and dribbling speed and passing accuracy and composite skill performance increased for the experimental group, while competitive pressure significantly decreased when compared to control. Results suggest that the methodical inclusion of mental and skill training is an effective way to improve athletic performance and increase skill performance consistency under competition pressure in young basketball players. Therefore, the study suggests introducing organized mental programs within daily training loads of these sports clubs and basketball academies.
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