PERCEPTIONS OF AUDIENCE EFFECTS ON ELITE TENNIS PERFORMANCE
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Authors
Johnson, Douglas C.
Issue Date
1993
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This qualitative pilot study was designed to gain insight about the perceptions of professional tennis players and how audiences affect performance levels. A questionnaire was used to gather this information. The data of this study was then compared against previously developed theories to determine which, if any, of the existing theories could be applied to professional tennis players.
The results of this pilot study found that audiences do have an effect on performance. The theories that can most successfully be applied to audience effects on female professional tennis players include drive theory and self presentation theory in most situations. The study also revealed that these athletes have little concern for the possibility of evaluation during performance.
Audience size was not a factor in nervousness or anxiety level. The players did indicate that they prefer playing before large audiences as opposed to small audiences.
Playing before a "home town" crowd, which provided support appeared to increase the players desire to perform well. Audience support seemed to play a major role in how these athletes viewed performance.
The tennis players involved in this study believe that confidence, concentration and composure to be the most important individual characteristics when performing before an audience.
Finally, the players believed audiences affected performance because they add to the importance of matches, they allowed players to show off their talents, and because it is not fun to play without an audience.