THE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SKILLS TRAINING IN ENHANCING ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Sports psychology is an important field of study, as it focuses on the psychological aspects of performance andthe general well-being of both body and mind in all types of athletes. This study explores importantpsychological factors (motivation, resilience, and stress management and their influence on athleticperformance) through various intervention methods (cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, self-talk, andvisualization). Using theoretical frameworks such as Achievement Goal Theory, Self-Determination Theory,and Social Cognitive Theory, it explores techniques to enhance concentration, confidence, and goal-settingskills. This study adopts a qualitative narrative approach and then synthesizes the literature to show thatpsychological skills training is effective. It also looks at use cases in athlete management, such as recoveringfrom injury, preventing burnout, and creating positive athlete-coach relationships. The challenges facedincluding stigma, qualified professionals’ accessibility, and individual differences are discussed, withrecommendations for tailoring interventions and wider integration with coaching practices. The connectionbetween sport psychology and performance enhancement is key to the overall mind-body development ofathletes.