Effect Of Structured Mental Training Program On Achievement Motivation Among Basketball Players

Abstract

Achievement motivation is recognized as a critical psychological factor influencing persistence, effort, and success in competitive sports such as basketball. Despite the acknowledged role of mental skills in performance enhancement, limited empirical research has examined the effect of structured mental training on achievement motivation among collegiate athletes. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of a mental training program on the achievement motivation of college-level basketball players. A total of 40 male basketball players were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). The experimental group underwent an eight-week structured mental training intervention incorporating goal setting, visualization, self-talk, and relaxation techniques, while the control group continued with routine practice. Achievement motivation was measured using a standardized Sport Achievement Motivation Scale at both pre- and post-test stages. Statistical analysis revealed that the experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement in achievement motivation scores compared to the control group (p < 0.05), with a moderate to large effect size. These findings suggest that mental training is an effective psychological intervention for enhancing motivational factors critical to sports performance. The study underscores the importance of integrating mental skills training into regular coaching programs to optimize athlete development and performance outcomes in competitive basketball.