Exploring the Psychological Skills with Demographic Characteristics of Under-19 Cricketers in Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55737/rl.v5i1.26173Keywords:
Psychological Skills, Under-19 Cricketers, Semi-structured Interviews, Qualitative Research, PakistanAbstract
The players of Pakistan U-19 cricket team were examined in relation to their psychological experiences and development of skill in this qualitative exploratory study along with focusing on the impact of demographic factors on performance, emotional control and resilience. Methods: The study six major themes were examined: performance and achievement, emotional and psychological functioning, coping and mental skills, development and motivation, social and relational dynamics, and physical and external constraints. It is founded on semi-structured interviews with thirty male athletes aged 15 to 19 from various geographical areas and educational backgrounds. The average age of athletes was 17.00 years (SD = 0.87). As demonstrated by the results, the mental techniques like self-talk, stress management and visualization are necessary for consistency and emotion regulation, athletes' confidence and drive are affected by both success and failure. Family involvement, early exposure and academic achievement significantly influenced goal orientation, psychological flexibility and mental toughness. Injuries, environmental stressors, and a lack of established support networks negatively impacted the performance and mental health. The value of psychological skill training and social support in assisting young cricket players, maximize their athletic potential as well as build resilience, as highlighted by the study. Implications for sport psychologists, coaches, and athletic programs are examined in terms of encouraging long-term psychological and performance progress.
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