Pre-Competition Mental Preparation Routines and Performance in Hockey

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine pre-competition mental preparation routines and their impact on male hockey players (N=17) at the Western Hockey League (WHL) level with three aims: 1) To develop individual mental preparation pre- competition routines that build upon existing physical preparation routines, 2) To examine whether a pre-competition plan with physical and mental considerations will have a positive impact on performance, 3) To determine whether workshops for the introduction of a Psychological Skills Training (PST) program impacts the participants use of preparation routines prior to practice and competition. Four workshops were conducted to teach and develop PST (diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscular relaxation, self-talk, visualization), and pre-competition routines for the participants. A generalized 10 phase pre-competition routine was created to reflect both physical and mental preparation considerations. Pre- and post-intervention performance was measured by a coaching staff (N=3) rating and a participant self-rating. Mental preparation prior to competition was rated by the participants for a pre- post-intervention comparison. The impact of the intervention on PST was assessed using the Test of Performance Strategies (TOPS), the Athlete Coping Skills Inventory-28 (ACSI-28), the Self-Talk Questionnaire (STQ), and the Sport Imagery Questionnaire (SIQ). Results showed multiple sections with significant differences between pre- and post-intervention indicating a possible positive impact of the intervention on the use and effectiveness of PST and pre- competition routines. Results indicated improved consistency for on-ice performance, and an increase in the mental preparation pre-competition self-rating post-intervention.