Determining Levels of Mental Skills of Netball Players at Tertiary Institutions in Zimbabwe: The Players’ Voices

This study aimed to explore the mental skills of netball players through their own perspectives. Focus group discussions were used to gather data, providing valuable insights into players’ views on mental skills training programmes. The results were explained within the framework of the Cognitive Behaviour Theory (CBT), which suggests that coaches can enhance self-efficacy and confidence by altering sources of increasing self-efficacy. The study found that competition in tertiary institutions’ games motivate athletes to improve their performance, with some using techniques like goal setting. However, the results also revealed a lack of understanding about mental skills in netball among players. Some players believed that mental skills only apply in game situations, while others thought that mental skills training only helps with decision-making and focus. The study highlighted the need for clarification on how players understand the role of mental skills. While players acknowledged the importance of mental skills in improving agility and decision-making, they lacked detailed explanations. Overall, the study revealed gaps in netball players’ knowledgeability about mental skills and their impact on performance enhancement. The study recommends future research that can provide a deeper understanding of the importance of MST in sports and inform the development of effective interventions to enhance athletic performance and wellbeing. Furthermore, an exploration of the role of technology in delivering MST programs to athletes may be considered.