Is Short-passing Ability Related To Anxiety And Self-confidence In Division Iii Collegiate Soccer Players?

Abstract

Competitive soccer players are required to perform various physiological movements including short passing under the stressful conditions of a match. Individual self- confidence and ability to perform under pressure may impact on a successful match outcome. PURPOSE: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between short-passing ability and anxiety and self-confidence among collegiate male and female soccer players. METHODS: Participants included 17 Division III collegiate soccer players (19. ±1.1 years, 65% female, 35% male) who completed the following questionnaires on a computer to assess competitive anxiety and self-confidence: The Illinois Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2R), Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT), and Trait Sport-Confidence Inventory (TSCI). Soccer skills were then assessed indoors as measured by total time on Loughborough soccer passing test (LSPT), which consisted of 16 short passes completed as fast as possible. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rho correlations. RESULTS: Mean short-pass total time was 55.7±12.03 seconds. We observed positive relationships between SCAT and LSPT total time (rs =0.51, p = 0.04) and CSAI-2R and LSPT total time (rs =0.52, p = 0.04): as anxiety increased, so did total time on the passing tests. Additionally a strong negative relationship was found between TSCI and LSPT total time (rs =-0.68, p= 0.004): as self-confidence increased, total time on the passing test decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Increased anxiety and decreased confidence lead to poorer short-passing performance in collegiate soccer players. Coaches should consider interventions to decrease anxiety and improve self-confidence in preparation for soccer competition.