What is mental toughness? This research draws on the experience of elite athletes and coaches to unearth a conceptualisation and definition of mental toughness. The interviews of 33 elite athletes and coaches (including 25 current or former elite athletes, of whom 15 had achieved an Olympic Gold Medal or World Champion status) were transcribed verbatim and analysed qualitatively to reveal under...

Mental illnesses are as prevalent among elite athletes as in the general population. Despite this, there is little research examining how to enhance mental health literacy or helping behaviors in elite sport environments. A Mental Health in Sport (MHS) workshop was therefore developed and its effects on mental health literacy and confidence studied in 166 coaches and support staff working with ...

The ability to change swimming styles and body positions, involving continuous shifting from horizontal vertical posture performing jumps, as well technical skills play a fundamental role in water polo performance. To face with these demands, the coaching staff of elite sub-elite clubs might adopt variety training methods, also based on their specific philosophies. This point has led an enlarge...

Talent identification tests used at the Australian Football League's National Draft Combine assess the capacities of athletes to compete at a professional level. Tests created for the National Draft Combine are also commonly used for talent identification and athlete development in development pathways. The skills tests created by the Australian Football League required players to either handba...

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world with player numbers increasing annually at an explosive rate. Children now tend to start specific sports training in a specialized environment at a younger age than in previous years. The desire to be a professional soccer player is strong and future aspirations are usually relayed to the coaching staff. Coaches are, therefore, increasingly ...