The influence of self-talk on the performance of skilled female tennis players

This paper reports on the development and implementation of a self-talk (ST ) strategy designed to improve the volleying skill of collegiate tennis pla yers (N = 5). A two-word ST strategy was developed, implemented, and evalua ted using a single-case, multiple-baseline design. Dependent measures were movement patterns and outcome scores. After intervention, four players disp layed immediate, positive changes with no overlapping datapoints on movemen t patterns. Notable improvements in outcome scores were also observed in al l players, however, overlapping datapoints occurred for three players. Visu al inspection of plotted values was supplemented by quantitative analysis u sing one-way ANOVAs to analyze four datapoints: the two baseline days just prior to intervention, and the two days immediately post intervention. Sign ificant differences were found between phases, with both movement pattern a nd outcome scores higher following intervention. Qualitative data were coll ected via surveys and interviews. Players reported increased confidence fol lowing intervention, and offered explanations for its success conforming to theoretical positions that ST directs attentional focus and can prompt mov ement patterns.