Self-efficacy and Sports Performance Level of Secondary Student-Athletes: Training Implications

Self-efficacy plays a critical role in sports performance, particularly for secondary student-athletes who must balance academic and athletic demands. While extensive research highlights self-efficacy's significance, its nuanced relationship with sports performance in Filipino secondary student-athletes remains underexplored, especially in resource-constrained environments. This study investigates the connection between self-efficacy and sports performance among secondary school athletes in Quezon City. A descriptive-comparative- correlational research design was utilized with 266 student-athletes as samples. Data were gathered through utilization of the following validated instruments: the Athlete Self-Efficacy Scale and the Sports Performance Perception Scale. Key findings reveal that higher self-efficacy correlates with improved sports performance, with mastery experiences and physiological states emerging as the most influential dimensions. Significant differences in self-efficacy levels were observed based on the number of awards received but not by gender, academic average, or extracurricular involvement. These results suggest that tailored interventions emphasizing goal setting, mental conditioning, and strategic mentoring could enhance self-efficacy and sports outcomes. This study contributes novel insights into the interplay of psychological and performance factors in secondary student-athletes, offering practical implications for coaches, educators, and policymakers. The findings underscore the need for holistic training programs that address the unique challenges faced by this demographic, fostering both athletic and personal growth. By bridging existing research gaps, this work advances our understanding of self-efficacy's role in developing high-performing student-athletes in the Philippines.