Psychological skills of junior football players: A comparative analysis by playing position with a pilot study

Abstract

The present study explores the influence of playing position and mental toughness on selected psychological variables confidence, motivation, relaxation, and team cohesion among junior-level football players. A total of 40 male players aged 15-18 were purposively selected, equally distributed across four positions: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and strikers. Standardized psychological assessments were administered, and data were analyzed using ANCOVA and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results revealed that both playing position and mental toughness significantly affected confidence, motivation, and team cohesion, while no significant effects were found for relaxation. SEM analysis demonstrated that mental toughness was a strong predictor of both psychological skills and team cohesion, with psychological skills mediating this relationship. Additionally, playing position exerted both direct and indirect influences on psychological outcomes. The model demonstrated excellent fit indices, supporting the proposed relationships. These findings highlight the importance of psychological training tailored to both positional demands and individual mental resilience in football.