EFFECT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SKILL TRAINING ON ANXIETY OF FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF MANIPUR

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of psychological skill training on anxiety level of football
players of Manipur.
Design and Method: 20 male footballers of Manipur, age group 18-23, were randomly selected,
with the mean and standard deviation 20.05 ± 1.31. Initially subjects were randomly divided
into Experimental and Active control group, consisting of 10 footballers each followed by
preliminary testing and administration of Sports Anxiety Scale. Then, subjects in the
experimental group were treated with an intervention based on anxiety control program
comprising of deep breathing, relaxation technique and positive self-talk whereas the active
control group proceeded with their regular normal training schedule.
Results: F-value for comparing the adjusted mean of the two groups (experimental group and
active control group) during post data testing in the sub-scales of Anxiety shows significant
difference between their scores in pre-test and post-test as the p-value associated with it is 0.00
which is less than 0.05. Similar findings have been observed in worry and concentration
disruption showing significant difference between the scores in pre-test and post-test as the p
value associated with it is 0.02 and 0.00 respectively which is less than 0. Thus, the hypothesis
of significant difference among the adjusted mean for the data on criterion variable in
experimental and active control group may be accepted at 0.05 level of significance.
Conclusion: Significant differences were found in post intervention condition between
experimental and active- control group for anxiety parameters and Six-week PST has a positive
effect in reducing anxiety level of the footballers. Based on the analysis of data and research
findings, it can be established that PST can be used as an effective intervention and means of
controlling or reducing the level of sports anxiety in footballers.