The Effect of Mental Training Combined With Skills Training on Punching Accuracy Speed Of Tactical Decision-Making and Self-Confidence Among Students at Dijlah University

Backgroud: Collegiate boxing courses often rely strictly on physical drills, neglecting mental preparation. Consequently, students struggle with inaccurate punches, delayed tactical decisions, and hesitation under pressure. This study evaluated an eight-week program integrating mental training (relaxation, visualization, focus, and positive self-talk) with skill practice on punch accuracy, decision speed, and self-confidence. Methods: Twenty-four male boxing students at Tigris University were randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 12) or control group (n = 12) using a pretest-posttest design. Over 24 one-hour sessions (eight weeks), the experimental group completed 15–20 minutes of relaxation and imagery immediately before technical drills; controls practiced technical drills alone. Tests measured 10-punch target accuracy, video tactical reaction time, and sport self-confidence. Data were analyzed via paired and independent t-tests. Results: The experimental group achieved significantly greater gains than controls. Punch accuracy rose 36.3% (14.19 ± 2.75 to 19.34 ± 3.22) and tactical decision time dropped 19.6% (1.83 ± 0.22 s to 1.47 ± 0.22 s, both p < 0.001). Post-tests favored the experimental group in accuracy (t = 2.59, p = 0.017) and tactical speed (t = 3.59, p = 0.002). Self-confidence rose 19.7% experimentally (p < 0.001), though the between-group difference was not statistically significant (t = 1.37, p = 0.183). Conclusions: Pairing mental visualization directly with technical drills sharpens punch accuracy and accelerates combat decisions far better than physical training alone. Longer interventions are recommended to produce significant between-group gains in self-confidence.