Perception of mental preparation on performance in youth cross country runners

• Main Author: Dass, Zorndrix
• Other Authors: Koh Koon Teck
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: DRNTU::Science
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/73837
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Mental training is a technique which is absent from many training programmes in Singapore and athletes may not be aware of the potential benefits it could bring. This study aimed to determine the relationship between youth cross country athletes’ perception of mental preparation and the effects it has on their performance. It also aimed to identify mental preparation strategies which youths feel should be implemented into their training programmes. 100 participants (76 males, 24 females), aged between 14 to 18 years old who were currently active in cross country participation and under the guidance of a coach for at least one year, were recruited for this study whereby they had to fill up a questionnaire regarding mental preparation. Results revealed that 93% of them felt mental preparation would aid in their performance for competitions and certain motivational statements were identified to have a significant positive impact on them. A comparison was done with another study using the same questionnaire for athletes in the University of Nevada and similar results were reflected. It can be concluded from the findings that a certain mental preparation strategy may work for an individual but it may not be as effective for the whole population of youth athletes. Coaches should identify which technique best suits each athlete if they are aiming to try and maximize their full potential.