The mental toughness of state and university football players in Malaysia

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and compare the level of mental toughness that consisted of five subfactors namely the reversal of mistakes, pressure control, focus, self-confidence, and motivation among football players of a state and university football team. The questionnaire used in this study was Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) that measure the level of mental toughness among the players. The findings showed that the state players scored greater mistake reversibility, pressure control, focus concentration, and self-confidence compared to university players. No significant differences of motivation between those two clubs. The findings of this study can provide guidance to coaches especially to identify the level of mental strength among their players and provide appropriate mental training.