PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE OF PORTUGUESE SOCCER PLAYERS

The purpose of the present study was to compare by competitive level, field position, age and competitive experience as a function of self-confidence, negativity, attention, imagery, motivation, attitude positivism and competitive soccer players. The sample consisted of 424 players, with ages between 18 and 36 years old. The performance psychological profile questionnaire was used. Results suggested lack of systematic mental preparation. Soccer players from different competitive levels resort to their psychological skills in distinctive ways, athletes with higher levels of competition presented higher scores in psychological competences. Comparisons by field positions presented differences in psychological competences. Age and competitive experience influenced the development of psychological skills, however, when considered per se they do not assure higher levels of mental preparation level.