The Effect of Mental Skills Training on Mental Profile and Dribble Performance of Teenager Soccer Players in Preparation Phase

The aim of this study was the investigation of the effect of psychological training on mental profile and performance of teenager soccer players in pre-competition season. 16 students of soccer players were selected by purposive sampling and were assigned homogeneously in two groups of eight subjects control and experimental. In addition to the physical training, the experimental group accomplish relaxation, goal setting, imagery, and the self-talk, that was conducted over 12 sessions 45 min (in-person teaching and training) and 12 session 15 min (cyberspace). Data were collected by Ottawa mental skills assessment tool-3 and Slalom dribble test in pre and post-tests. Results showed that experimental group improved in eye and head coordination, stress reaction and fear control than control group. It seems that mental skills training in preparation period to competition could affect in some task oriented training conditions and also in coping with stress and reduce of fear among teenager soccer players.