Distinguishing psychological characteristics of expert cricket batsmen

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Weissensteiner, J, Abernethy, B, Farrow, Damian ORCID: 0000-0002-5020-7910 and Gross, J (2012) Distinguishing psychological characteristics of expert cricket batsmen. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 15 (1). pp. 74-79. ISSN 1440-2440

Abstract

Objectives: This paper sought to determine the psychological characteristics and skills that are fundamental to batting success in the sport of cricket. Design and method: Following on from the findings of an earlier qualitative investigation which suggested that a favourable mix of psychological attributes and skills are critical to high performance in batting (Weissensteiner et al. 10), adult-aged batsmen of two different skill levels (highly skilled n = 11; lesser skilled n = 10) completed a battery of psychological tests that included measures of mental toughness (Mental Toughness Inventory), perfectionism (Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale), coping ability (Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28), and optimism (Attributional Styles Questionnaire). Results: Contrary to the research hypothesis, it was found that the highly skilled batsmen were only distinguishable from batsmen of lesser skill by their higher degree of global mental toughness. The skilled batsmen scored significantly higher on mental toughness dimensions relating to motivation (Personal Bests, Task Value and Commitment), coping skill (Perseverance) and self-belief (Potential). Conclusions: If mental toughness can be reliably predicted at an earlier age, it may be an attribute worthy of inclusion in future talent identification and development programs.

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Item type Article
URI https://vuir.vu.edu.au/id/eprint/23505
DOI 10.1016/j.jsams.2011.07.003
Official URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S...
Subjects Historical > FOR Classification > 1106 Human Movement and Sports Science
Historical > FOR Classification > 1701 Psychology
Current > Division/Research > College of Sports and Exercise Science
Keywords ResPubID25416, psychology, cricket, expertise, mental toughness
Citations in Scopus 36 - View on Scopus
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