The use of mental skills by Maltese premier league footballers

Abstract

Psychology in sport and more specifically, Psychological Skills Training has been seen to be effective in performance enhancement. Utilizing mental skills such as goal setting, visualization and self-talk among others has proved to be beneficial for athletes in any sport (Clement et al., 2015; Sadeghi et al., 2010; Thelwell & Maynard, 2003). Combining the use of such skills with regular physical training can help athletes to achieve better performances. This qualitative study explores the knowledge and awareness that elite level Maltese footballers have on such psychological skills and their use in local football. Six male Maltese Premier League footballers were interviewed. The participants were found to lack knowledge and awareness on the matter. Despite all this, the participants expressed positive thoughts regarding the significance that Psychological Skills Training has in football and thus, this knowledge and awareness has the potential to grow. Lack of sport psychologists, appropriate structures and facilities, time and flexibility for sessions and lack of financial budget were considered to be the main factors leading to the lack of knowledge and awareness in football settings. Cultural differences were considered to be important when it comes to the level of mental preparation that a footballer is able to achieve. The relationship and challenges in both mental and physical preparation were also considered.