Comparing the effects of PETTLEP imagery and mindfulness interventions on passing and goal-kicking performance in male novice soccer players (Ages 10–14): A randomized controlled study

Psychological interventions such as PETTLEP imagery and mindfulness have been associated with improvements in motor skill performance and skill acquisition in sports. However, their comparative effects on passing and goal-kicking performance in youth soccer players remain unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of PETTLEP imagery and mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) on the passing and goal-kicking performance of male novice soccer players aged 10 to 14 years. A randomized controlled study was conducted with 60 male novice soccer players (aged 10–14), randomly assigned to one of three groups: PETTLEP imagery, mindfulness-based intervention, or a control group. The intervention lasted four weeks, with three training sessions per week. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of passing and goal-kicking skills were conducted using standardized soccer performance tests. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to compare skill improvements across groups. Significant within-group improvements in both passing and goal-kicking performance were observed in the PETTLEP imagery and mindfulness groups (all p < 0.001), whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group. ANCOVA revealed significant between-group effects for goal-kicking (F(2, 55) = 31.54, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.53) and passing performance (F (2, 55) = 20.49, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.42). Bonferroni-adjusted comparisons showed that PETTLEP imagery significantly outperformed mindfulness for goal-kicking ( p = 0.001) and passing ( p < 0.001), and outperformed the control group for both goal-kicking and passing ( p < 0.001 for both). Mindfulness significantly outperformed the control group for goal-kicking ( p = 0.001), but not for passing ( p = 0.077). PETTLEP imagery demonstrated the strongest between-group effects for both passing and goal-kicking performance in male novice soccer players aged 10 to 14 years. Mindfulness-based training was also associated with significant within-group improvements and showed a significant advantage over the control group for goal-kicking, but not for passing. These findings suggest that PETTLEP imagery may be a useful complementary approach for developing sport-specific skills in novice youth soccer players, while mindfulness may provide additional benefits for performance and psychological processes relevant to sport participation. Future research should examine the long-term effects of these interventions, their applicability across different skill levels and age groups, and their potential combined effects. This clinical trial was registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) on February 21, 2025, with registration number IRCT20190908044722N9.