| The study used semi-structured interviews to explore the views
of three high performance kickboxers regarding the contribution of
psychology to the development and maintenance of expert performance
within kickboxing. The results provide a useful insight into the experiences
of high performance kickboxers, identifying those mental skills and
psychological attributes that are perceived to contribute to success.
Participants identified seven mental skills that they believed to
be linked to success in kickboxing; 1) effective use of self-talk,
2) relaxation, 3) heightened concentration, 4) self-regulation of
arousal, 5) goal setting, 6) coping with being hit, and 7) imagery.
Three psychological characteristics were identified by all participants
as contributing to success, 1) high self-efficacy, 2) highly motivated
and 3) mental toughness. Although not specifically identified by participants,
it is suggested that a fourth psychological characteristic was also
apparent. Participants demonstrated varying degrees of emotional intelligence
thorough their ability to monitor and manipulate their emotional states
prior to and during competition. Martial artists used a number of
long and short-term psychological strategies in preparing for competition.
Furthermore, whilst mental skills were not systematically practiced,
all participants endeavored to integrate some form of mental training
within physical training. It is recommended that sport psychologists
help martial artists develop and refine individualized mental training
routines, assisting with the formal integration of psychological training
into physical training. Martial artists spend the majority of their
time practicing as opposed to competing. As such, the integration
of mental skills training within physical training may help ensure
quality practice, and facilitate the effective transfer of mental
skills into competition.
KEY
WORDS: Kickboxing, mental skills, psychological attributes,
expert performance.
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