EFFECTS OF SELECTED MENTAL PRACTICE ON PERFORMANCE, SELF-EFFICACY, AND COMPETITION CONFIDENCE OF FIGURE SKATERS

This study examined the effectiveness of mental practice techniques fo r improving figure skating performance, self-efficacy, and self-confid ence for competition. Two interventions, paper freestyle drawing (PFD) and walk through on floor (WTF), were compared to a stretching contro l group. Participants (n = 27), ages 10 to 18 years, were members of t he United States Figure Skating Association and were randomly assigned to one of the three groups. The study included procedural reliability checks such as pre-and post-manipulation checks; structured seminars; and homework workbooks. Results indicated that the two mental practic e groups significantly improved their performance ratings in jumps and spins, and their competition confidence compared to the stretching co ntrol group. Results also indicated that the WTF mental practice group increased their spinning self-efficacy beliefs compared to the PFD me ntal practice treatment and the stretching control group.