The Mental Toughness of State and University Football Players in Malaysia

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and compare the level of mental toughness that consisted of five subfactors namely the reversal of mistakes, pressure control, focus, self-confidence, and motivation among football players of a state and university football team. The questionnaire used in this study was Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) that measure the level of mental toughness among the players. The findings showed that the state players scored greater mistake reversibility, pressure control, focus concentration, and self-confidence compared to university players. No significant differences of motivation between those two clubs. The findings of this study can provide guidance to coaches especially to identify the level of mental strength among their players and provide appropriate mental training.

Malaysian State Sports Schools Football Coaching Process Model Development: A Grounded Theory Approach

“…Sports psychology is a discipline that uses psychological knowledge and skills to solve the optimal success and well-being of athletes, the development and social aspects of sport participation, and sport and systemic organizational issues [33]. In addition, sport psychological application can enhance mental toughness [34] and reduce competitive anxiety [35]. The average of all coaches in this research claimed that he acted as a coach not just as a football coach but as a multi-tasking coach in leading this developmental football team.…”

The Development of Malaysian State Sports Schools Football Coaches' Key Themes in Coaching Process

“…Besides that, spirituality another theme particularly those under spectator anxiety, country and self-ambition or dealing with unpredictable results, the ability and skills to manage the situation are key elements. In making sports a choice, however, physical, mental and spiritual preparation is necessary when competing to be confident [21], [22]. In this report, many coaches are mindful that physical abilities such as repeated sprint ability [23], [24], , are paramount in achieving goals, but behavioral capabilities still need attention.…”