Perceptions and Strategies of Psychological Momentum among Competing Tennis Players
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Authors
Springett, Mark
Issue Date
2009
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to identify and analyze perceptions of psychological momentum from the perspective of competing tennis players. It specifically sought to identify the strategies players use to develop and maintain positive psychological momentum, and strategies that players use to overcome negative psychological momentum. It is intended that the knowledge gained will assist future players, coaches and sport psychology consultants to better understand psychological momentum and how players can perform optimally when they perceive they have positive momentum during a match or when players perceive they have negative momentum. Participants were 14 competing tennis players - past and present - from the ATP and WTA Tours, Satellite and Futures Tour, and NCAA players. Transcribed interviews were subject to an inductive content analysis. The results of the analysis revealed three High-Order strategies to managing psychological momentum: (a) physical execution strategies (b) psychological techniques; including maintaining focus, motivation and confidence, and (c) doubles-specific strategies. In addition, neutral momentum emerged as a new form of perceived momentum, i.e., when the match is even. Participants shared strategies that players can use to perform optimally within this dynamic, including executing their game plan and pre-point routines. In conclusion, perceived momentum appears to play an important part in matches: it can impact a player's confidence and the strategies they use during a match. Future research should be conducted with even more specific tennis populations such as with WTA Tour players only or specifically with doubles-players. Research on momentum could also be applied to different sports settings.