Psychological and behavioral foundations: a focus on discipline and mental toughness in youth football development

Introduction: Becoming a professional football player is the dream of every boy in Indonesia because it can be watched and loved by many people. However, the path of development towards professional players is not easy. There are many challenges and problems that football players must face. Objective: This study aims to determine and explore what key behaviours football players must possess toward professional players. Methodology: This study used qualitative research methodology to answer its objectives. It examined and obtained information from 10 coaches with a football coaching license and experience of at least five years. Researchers collect research data through interviews, observation, and document analysis, which are then triangulated so that the data obtained is not solely from one source. Results: The results showed that football players must possess two key behaviours to reach the professional level, namely discipline and seriousness and playing during the development path. Discussion: The data obtained reveals several behaviours, but discipline and seriousness are the key factors or main behaviours needed to become a professional football player. Conclusions: With this information, it is hoped that coaches and everyone involved in football player development can focus on training programs to develop these two behaviours. Coaches will also be more easily able to detect players.