Effect of mental training techniques on knowledge and performance of volleyball skills.

This study examined how certain mental training techniques affected skill acquisition and performance of a sports skill (overhand volleyball serve). The uniqueness of the study was the particular population - twelve recreational athletes (versus elite athletes) with mean age of 43.8. The subjects were divided into two groups with measures taken on three different occasions - pre-test, mid-test and post-test. Group 1 received the Mental Training Program (MT) and engaged in physical practice during the first half of the experiment, while Group 2 engaged in physical practice only. Group 2 then added the M.T. Program while Group 1 continued to practice physically. The M.T. Program focussed on relaxation, mental modelling of elite olympic volleyball players, and imagery. At the pre-test, subjects were given an Imagery Ability Questionnaire to assess whether they were high or low imagers. Five different tasks were performed to obtain both qualitative and quantitative data for analysis. Quantitative and qualitative analyses demonstrated both statistical and practical significance for an increase in knowledge, in addition to a performance increase in the skill. This was a positive beginning to new and exciting research involving recreational rather than elite athletes, and the impact mental training techniques have on this population (mean age = 43.8). Results are discussed with relevance to the effect on research that these findings have in terms of adults learning a new sport skill, improving performance of that newly acquired skill and the positive impact that mental training techniques have on them