Abstract
Young athletes are influenced by different physical, psychological, and social factors. Social factors significantly impact a young athlete’s growth. Parents, coaches, and schools are important factors in young athletes’ sports careers. Achieving sport success without their support would be a real challenge. Social capital is a resource that comes from social relationships and social networks. It is a resource that impacts athletes and sports performance. The aim of this study was to determine the connection between social capital and competitive success in young tennis players. This research was conducted with participants of an ITF (International Tennis Federation) junior tournament in tennis. Research included 75 tournament players (N = 36 girls, age: 15.54 ± 1.29 years; N = 39 boys, age: 16.13 ± 0.98 years). Participants filled out a questionnaire which evaluated their social capital. Social capital predictors were significant predictors of sporting success (13.1% variance explained), which indicated that there is a moderate association between social capital indicators and sport success in young tennis players. Sports performance was higher with a higher degree of family and sports team social capital among girls. It was higher with a lower school social capital among boys. Intervention that leverages social capital might serve as an avenue for performance promotion in youth.
Highlights
Tennis is one of the most popular sports in the world
The aim of this study was to determine the connection between social capital and competitive success in young tennis players
The aim of this research was to determine the connection between social capital and competitive success in young tennis players
Summary
People of all ages watch professional tennis tournaments and play recreational tennis. It is a sport characterized by a series of short and intensive actions followed with a short break for recovery (Fernandez-Fernandez et al 2020). Professional tennis is a dynamic game consisting of surface changes, different styles of opponents, differing lengths of matches, an elimination system of competition, and a long competition season (Giles et al 2019; Fernandez-Fernandez et al 2009). These factors require professional tennis players to maintain high physical fitness levels, mental stability, concentration, and emotional control. Athletes need well developed motor skills which allow them to play sports at a high level
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