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ITIRJ
INNOVATIVE THOUGHTS pISSN 2321-5143 eISSN 2347-5722
International Research Journal
Retrieved from: http://itirj.naspublishers.com/
Volume 3, Issue 6, June 2016
INTRODUCTION
Now a day’s sports performance in competitive sports is determined by a combination
of psycho-physiological factors, technical skill, tactical insight and state of mind. Psychology has
enormous potential and it is really an exciting and challenging field of knowledge. It continues to
grow at an accelerating pace and offers us the hope of both understanding and improving our lives.
Football is basically a team game. It has developed into a highly skilful area. In football generally
players are divided into two categories. Offensive and defensive players are meant for scoring by
combining their techniques and tactics. Most sport psychology researchers recommended that
confidence is an essential contributor to optimal sport performance and important psychological factor
that affects sport performance. Elite athletes repeatedly have to perform under high pressure,
motivated and more self-confident to do well in their respective event at the highest standard
compared to non-elite athletes.
Research has identified successful athletes have a higher confidence level than less successful
athletes (Andrew, Grobbelaar, & Potgieter, 2007; Cox, Shannon, McGuire, & McBride, 2010; Gill &
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Ph.D Research Scholar, Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior (M.P.), India.
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Professor & H.O.D, Department of Health Education, Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior (M.P.),
India.
INNOVATIVE THOUGHTS pISSN 2321-5143 eISSN 2347-5722
International Research Journal
Retrieved from: http://itirj.naspublishers.com/
Volume 3, Issue 5, June 2016
Williams, 2008; Woodman & Hardy, 2003; Zinsser, Bunker & Williams, 2010). In contemporary
sports aggression plays a significant role, we can say that aggression as an unprovoked physical or
verbal assault. In sport, the performance can be affected by aggression that can be positive or negative.
It also proved that positive aggression can improve performance. Leuens (2008) found a strong
relationship between the motivational influences on the outcome of athletic performance. According to
Tod, Thatcher, & Rahman, (2010) setting a specific goal to achieve is achievement motivation. Anshel
(1997) reported a remarkable difference in the sport psychological characteristics of successful and
less successful athletes, successful athletes shows a high level of self-confidence, achievement
motivation, mental toughness, intelligence, sociability, creativity, stability and high self-image.
Furthermore, researchers indicate that success in sport is a direct outcome of healthy mental skills
according to the Mental Health Model (Gill et al., 2008). However, not a great deal of research has
been conducted on the psychological characteristics of players in different playing positions in team
sport. Some research in this area has been conducted in American sport such as basketball, volleyball,
and American football (Nation & Leunes, 1983; Cox, 1987; Cox & McManama, 1988). Schurr, Rusle,
Nisbet, & Wallace (1984) reported personality dimensions and playing positions of American
footballers and found differences between playing positions and personality dispositions regarding
extroversion-introversion; impractical-realistic; calculative-intuitive, and judging-perceiving. The
purpose of the study was to know and compare the differences among the footballers of different
playing positions on psychological characteristics.
METHODOLOGY
Participants
To facilitate the study, forty five all India inter-university men football players consisting of
defenders, midfielders and forwards were selected from the all India inter-university men football
tournament held at LNIPE, in the year 2015. The age levels of the subjects were ranged from 18-25
years. Subjects were divided into three groups (each group consists of fifteen players) on the basis of
their position of play (defenders, midfielders and forwards). Purposive sampling method was used for
the study. The requirements for the collection of data through administration of questionnaires were
explained to the subjects so as to avoid any ambiguity of the effort required on their part and prior to
the administration of the questionnaire. All the subjects participated in this study voluntarily and
responded to the questionnaire without bias.
Measures
Self Confidence: Standard Hardy and Nelson (1992) questionnaire for self confidence was used to
scale the self confidence level. The test consists of four questions with six levels of responses. The
levels of changes from strongly disagree to strongly agree. The respondents were made to encircle the
appropriate number which suited their attitude. This scoring range of this questionnaire was 4 to 24.
The higher score indicate the high level of self confidence.
Aggression: Standardised Buss & Perry (1992) questionnaire for sporting aggression was used to scale
the aggressiveness of football players. The test consists of 29 questions with five levels of responses.
The level changes from extremely uncharacteristic to extremely characteristics. The respondents were
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made to encircle the appropriate number which suited their attitude. This inventory was scored with
the help of the scoring key given below. The range of score was from 4 to 20. The higher the score the
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Achievement Motivation: The standardized psychological tool devised by M.L. Kamalesh (1990) was
used to quantify the sports achievement motivation of players. This inventory consists of 20
statements. Each statement has two responses. Among the two responses the most appropriate one is
correct response. The respondents made a tick mark (√) on any one of the two responses that fits to
them best. The correct statement was given two marks and incorrect statement was given zero. The
total score constitutes the achievement motivation score. The larger score higher the achievement
motivation.
Data Analysis
Descriptive statistics (Mean, Standard Deviation, Skewness, Kurtosis, Standard Error of
Skewness and Standard Error of Kurtosis) were calculated for all measures. Data screening was used
to ensure all dependent variables met the assumptions necessary for the use of parametric statistics
before data analysis. In addition, one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed to find out
the inter-group differences. To test the hypothesis, the level of significance was set at 0.05. For further
analysis, LSD test was used as the Post-Hoc Test. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS)
version 20.0 was used.
RESULTS
For testing the normality of the data (Table 1) skewness and kurtosis (descriptive statistics)
has been performed.
Table 1. Overall Descriptive Statistics for the data on Psychological variables of Football Players
Std.
Mean Deviation Skewness Kurtosis
Std. Std. Std.
Variables Statistic Error Statistic Statistic Error Statistic Error
Self Confidence 17.36 0.38 2.52 0.217 .354 -1.239 .695
As a guideline, a skewness value more than twice its standard error indicates a departure from
symmetry. Since none of the variables skewness is greater than twice its standard error, hence all the
variables are symmetrically distributed. Similarly, as a guideline, kurtosis values more than twice its
standard error indicates a significant kurtosis. The value of kurtosis for the data to be normal of any of
the variable is not more than twice its standard error of kurtosis hence none of the kurtosis values are
significant. In other words the distribution of all the variables is meso-kurtic.
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Table 2 shows the mean, standard deviation and standard error of mean of football players
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Table 2. Descriptive Statistics for the Data on Psychological Variables of Football Players in
Different Playing Positions
Std. Std.
Psychological Variables N Mean Deviation Error Minimum Maximum
Table 2 shows that the mean value of self-confidence of defenders group is 18.73, midfielders
group is 17.67, and forwards group is 15.67. It is clear the mean value of self confidence is highest
among the players in the defender group in comparison to that of midfielder and forward group. A
glance at Table 2, the mean value of aggression of defenders group is 90.33, mean value of midfielders
group is 90.93, mean value of forwards group is 96.07, it is clear the mean value of aggression is
highest among the players in the forward in comparison to that of other positions. On the basis of the
results obtained above, it may be inferred that the achievement motivation among the players in the
different positions forward players is maximum because the mean value of achievement motivation of
forwards group is 27.20. On the other hand the mean value of defender group is 23.20 and midfielder
group is 23.60.
Table 3. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) Results with regard to Psychological Variables
and Plying Position among the Football Players
of the Players
Within Groups 207.60 42 4.94
INNOVATIVE THOUGHTS pISSN 2321-5143 eISSN 2347-5722
International Research Journal
Retrieved from: http://itirj.naspublishers.com/
Volume 3, Issue 6, June 2016
Total 280.31 44
Aggression of Between Groups 297.91 2 148.96 5.58* 0.01
the Players
Within Groups 1121.20 42 26.70
Total 1419.11 44
Achievement Between Groups 145.60 2 72.80 4.12* 0.02
Motivation of
Within Groups 742.40 42 17.68
the Players
Total 888.00 44
95% Confidence
Interval
Mean
Difference Std. Lower Upper
Variable Positions (I) Positions (J) (I-J) Error Sig. Bound Bound
Self Confidence Defenders Midfielders 1.07 0.81 0.20 -0.57 2.70
of the Players
Forwards 3.07* 0.81 0.00 1.43 4.70
Midfielders Defenders -1.07 0.81 0.20 -2.70 0.57
Forwards 2.00* 0.81 0.02 0.36 3.64
Forwards Defenders -3.07* 0.81 0.00 -4.70 -1.43
Midfielders -2.00* 0.81 0.02 -3.64 -0.36
From Table 4 it can be seen that the difference between defender and forward groups on their
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self confidence is significant at 5% level, as the p-value for this mean difference is 0.00 which is less
INNOVATIVE THOUGHTS pISSN 2321-5143 eISSN 2347-5722
International Research Journal
Retrieved from: http://itirj.naspublishers.com/
Volume 3, Issue 5, June 2016
than 0.05. Similarly, the p-value for the significance of difference between midfielder and forward
groups on their self confidence is significant at 5% level; the p-value is 0.02, which is less than 0.05.
However, there is no significant difference between the means of the defender and midfielder groups
as far as self-confidence are concerned because the p-value is more than 0.05.
From the above findings it can be very easily understood by looking to the graphics in Figure
1. Dependent variable (Self Confidence) on the Y axis and the independent variable (Playing
Positions) on the X axis. From Figure 1, it is clear the mean value of self confidence is highest among
the players in the defender group in comparison to that of midfielder and forward groups. On the basis
of the results obtained above, it may be inferred that the self confidence among the players in the
different positions defender group is maximum.
Figure 1. Means Plot Showing a Visual Representation of the Group Means of Self Confidence in
Three Different Playing Positions
Table 5. Comparison of Mean Values of Aggression in Post-Hoc Test (LSD) among the Players’
Positions
95% Confidence
Interval
Mean
Difference Std. Lower Upper
Variable Positions (I) Positions (J) (I-J) Error Sig. Bound Bound
Aggression of Defenders Midfielders -0.60 1.89 0.75 -4.41 3.21
the Players
Forwards -5.73* 1. 89 0.00 -9.54 -1.93
Midfielders Defenders 0.60 1. 89 0.75 -3.21 4.41
Forwards -5.13* 1. 89 0.01 -8.94 -1.33
5.73*
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Figure 2. Means Plot Showing a Visual Representation of the Group Means of Aggression in
Four Different Playing Positions
Table 6. Comparison of Mean Values of Achievement Motivation in Post-Hoc Test (LSD) among the
Players’ Positions
95% Confidence
Interval
Mean
Difference Std. Lower Upper
Variable Positions (I) Positions (J) (I-J) Error Sig. Bound Bound
Achievement Defenders Midfielders -0.40 1.54 0.80 -3.50 2.70
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Motivation of
Forwards -4.00* 1.54 0.01 -7.10 -0.90
the Players
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Figure 3. Means Plot Showing a Visual Representation of the Group Means of Achievement
Motivation in Four Different Playing Positions
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
The results of the study revealed that the psychological variables self-confidence, aggression
and achievement motivation had no significant differences among defenders and midfielders of
football players. This indicated that defenders and midfielders of football players were having similar
type of self-confidence, aggression and achievement motivation. The analysis of the study also
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revealed that there is significant difference between the means of the defender and forward, and
midfielder and forward groups as far as self-confidence, aggression and achievement motivation are
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concerned. The defend line players proved better in case of self-confidence compared to other two
INNOVATIVE THOUGHTS pISSN 2321-5143 eISSN 2347-5722
International Research Journal
Retrieved from: http://itirj.naspublishers.com/
Volume 3, Issue 6, June 2016
groups i.e. midfielders and forwards. Self confidence characterizes the defenders handle extreme
degree of pressure and fight for struggle. Researchers indicated that athletes with higher levels of self-
confidence expend more effort, resist failure, and determine more difficult goals. All these results
show us the importance of confidence in sport performance (e.g., Burton, 1988; Jones, Swain, &
Hardy, 1993; Martens, Burton, Vealey, Bump, & Smith, 1990). On the other hand forward players
proved better in case of aggression and achievement motivation compared to other two groups i.e.
midfielders and defenders. The forward players using aggression to tackle his opponent to win the
ball. According to the Cognitive Evaluation Theory of Deci and Ryan (2002), individual’s motivation
differs depending on the difference in their perceived competence and self-determination. In a study of
one ninety-nine team-sport athletes, Kirkcaldy (1982) revealed that offensive players are more tough-
minded, aggressive and extroverted than their defensive teammates. Cox and Yoo (1995) reported
significant differences for anxiety control, concentration, and confidence between linesmen and
backfield players in American football. They also found a significant difference between offensive and
defensive players in relation to their anxiety control with offensive players recording higher scores.
This finding is consistent with the results of Sarmento, Catita, & Fonseca (2008) showed that amateur
players presented a higher level of amotivation in comparison with professional players and their
sportive competence was at a lower level; nonetheless, they reported lower levels of identified
regulation. Overall, some research (Mahoney, Gabriel, & Perkins, 1987; Orlick and Partington, 1988)
has shown the link between extremely high levels of motivation and the achievement of elite status.
For example, the athlete that is highly motivated to succeed knows the importance of physical
preparation and that motivation carries over to their training. If the athlete is physically prepared he or
she gains confidence in knowing that they have done what they need to do. This high confidence level
caries over and results in decreased anxiety because the athlete knows that they have put in the time, is
prepared, and is confident in their chances for success. Grobbelaar and Eloff (2011) researched netball
players and found differences between the players’ on-court positions and their level of psychological
skills. For example, goal shooters recorded the lowest psychological skill levels. Similarly, Eloff,
Monyeki, & Grobbelaar (2011) also reported significant positional differences in the mental skill
levels of field hockey players. The goalkeepers showed the lowest scores in self-confidence,
commitment, stress control, relaxation, activation, focusing and refocusing of the twelve mental skills,
whereas the midfielders outperformed the other positional groups in four such as; self-confidence,
stress control, focusing, refocusing of the twelve mental skills tested in the study. It is expected that
each sport has its own unique demands and that differences in psychological dispositions, do not
necessarily apply to all sports. Correspondingly, Kruger (2010) indicated this observation with her
findings on the differences between successful and less successful field hockey players regarding their
achievement motivation, goal setting, self-confidence, imagery, and mental preparation. However,
Coetzee, Grobbelaar, & Gird (2006) identified psychological skills such as concentration, goal
orientation, performing optimally under pressure, achievement motivation, arousal control and goal
setting as important discriminating factors between successful and less successful soccer teams.
Subsequently, there is a need for more research within the context of young, developing sportspersons
(including soccer players) to examine the psychological and team previous circumstances of overall
performance to provide a strong theoretical foundation for applied psychological intervention
programmes. These results may not generalize to other sports, other levels of experience, or to
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females. The results of this study might be generalized to the male football population in India.
Certainly more research in this area is recommended, to substantiate the current findings and to
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playing positions. South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and
Recreation, 33, 45-58.
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INNOVATIVE THOUGHTS pISSN 2321-5143 eISSN 2347-5722
International Research Journal
Retrieved from: http://itirj.naspublishers.com/
Volume 3, Issue 6, June 2016
Hardy and Nelson. (1992). Assessment of Self Confidence cited by Alagaonkar, J. (1997). Sports
Psychology, Pune; Vidyarthi Griha Prakashan Publishers, 157
Jones, J. G., Swain, A. B. J., & Hardy, L. (1993). Intensity and direction dimensions of competitive
state anxiety and relationships with performance. Journal of Sports Sciences, 11, 525-532.
Kamlesh, M.L. (1990). Manual of Sports Achievement Motivation Test. NIS Scientific Journal, 13(3),
28-39.
Kirkcaldy, B.D. (1982). Personality and sex differences related to positions in team sports.
International Journal of Sport Psychology, 13, 141-153.
Kruger, A. (2010). Sport psychological skills that discriminate between successful and less successful
female university field hockey players. African Journal for Physical Health Education,
Recreation and Dance, 16, 240-250.
Leuens, A. (2008). Sport Psychology. 4th Ed. New York: Psychology Press.
Mahoney, MJ., Gabriel, T.J., & Perkins, T.S. (1987). Psychological skills and exceptional athletic
performance. The Sport Psychologist, 1, 181-199.
Martens, R., Burton, D., Vealey, R.S., Bump, L.A., & Smith, D.E. (1990). Development and
validation of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2. In R. Martens, R.S. Vealey, & D.
Burton (Eds.), Competitive anxiety in sport Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 117-190.
Nation, J.R., & Leunes, A.D. (1983). Personality characteristics of intercollegiate football players as
determined by position, classification, and redshirt status. Journal of Sport Behavior, 6, 92-102.
Orlick, T., & Partington, J. (1988). Mental links to Excellence. The sport Psychologist, 2, 105-130.
Mccaffery, N., & Orlick, T. (1989). Mental factors related to excellence among top professional
golfers. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 20, 256-278.
Sarmento, H., Catita, L., & Fonseca, A., (2008). Kinesiol Res Trends Applic. 34, 631-638.
Schurr, K.T., Rusle, V.E., Nisbet, J., & Wallace, D. (1984). Myers-Biggs type inventory
characteristics of more and less successful players on an American football team. Journal of
Sport Behaviour, 7, 47-57.
SPSS Inc. SPSS for Windows, Version 20.0. Chicago, SPSS Inc.
Tod, D., Thatcher, J., & Rahman, R. (2010). Sport Psychology. Palgrave Macmillan.
Woodman, T., & Hardy, L. (2003). The relative impact of cognitive anxiety and self-confidence upon
sport performance: a meta-analysis. Journal of sport sciences, 21, 443-457.
Zinsser, N., Bunker, L., & Williams, J.M. (2010). Cognitive techniques for building confidence and
enhancing performance. (In Williams, J.M., ed. Applied Sport Psychology. 6th ed. New York:
McGraw Hill Publishers. 305-335.).
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Miscellany
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