Sources of psychological states related to peak performance in elite table tennis players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the source of psychological states for peak performance in elite table tennis players. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten elite table tennis players (mean age = 20.90 ±1.85 years, mean sport years = 12.40±2.86), and the average duration of each interview lasted about 60 minutes. Content analysis was performed to analyze the qualitative data of transcribed verbatim obtained through individual face-to-face interviews. Optimal mental states were characterized by concentration, self-confidence, positive thinking, emotion management, and motivation through inductive analysis. Sources of concentration included sober-minded thinking, concentration on the present and seeking an opportunity to reverse. The sources of self-confidence were influenced by coaches’ mental, tactical, and physical preparations before competition, belief in techniques, and social support. The sources of positive thinking included self-challenging and self-encouragement. Mental relaxation and competing as if just practicing were sources of emotional management. A desire to win and caring about results were the sources of motivation. These findings allow sport psychologists and coaches to target psychological skills to focus on and organize training programs for table tennis players.