Identification of Athlete Transfer Problematic Experiences toward the Social Adaptation Ability in Female Futsal Athletes

Abstract

Background: Transfers between clubs do not constantly occur successfully. Things that affect athletes‟ performance involve not only technique, tactics, and physique, but the psycho-social aspect which is also very influential for talent development. Purpose: This study tried to identify problematic experiences faced by female athletes during transfer periods from one club to another and identify psychological skills that contribute to successful social adaptation. Design/methodology/ approach: The research sample included 24 female futsal athletes who had played in the highest futsal league in Indonesia (aged 17-31 years; average = 24 years, SD = 3.04) and had joined numerous different clubs (coach range 3-8; average= 4, SD= 1.47). These athletes underwent semi-structured interviews about their experiences embedded during the transitions between clubs. This research applied a qualitative approach to identify the problematic experiences of the samples and their adaptability skills during the transfer periods. Results and Conclusion: (1) the athletes found it easier to adapt to their new clubs as their mutation rates increased, (2) the research identified four components of problematic experience with coaches, three components of problematic experience with teammates, one component of problematic experience with study, four components of problematic experience with the club, and three components of problematic experience with family.