TRAINING MENTAL SKILLS AND ITS IMPACT ON MANAGING COMPETITION ANXIETY AMONG FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Abstract: This research aims to identify the impact of training mental skills on managing competition anxiety among senior football players. The researchers used the experimental method with a single-sample design through pre- and post-measurement for a group of football players totaling 16 players in the Annaba Regional League. After applying the statistical treatments to determine the significance of the differences between the pre- and post-measurements, the results were analyzed, which confirmed the validity of the hypotheses. The researcher concluded the following: 1- After applying the mental training program, the results showed an improvement in mental skills among the players in favor of the post-measurement. 2- After applying the mental training program, the results showed a decrease in the level of sports competition anxiety. 3- From the above, we conclude that mental training has a positive impact on confronting sports competition anxiety and developing some mental skills during the competition phase among football players. Keyword: Mental training, sports competition anxiety, football players, mental skills development, experimental method.