Psychological skills, coaching, and performance of cyclo-cross athletes

Abstract

Psychological skills have been shown to predict performance in many types of athletes (Hayslip, Petrie, MacIntire, & Jones, 2010; Krane & Williams, 2006; Kruger, 2010; MacNamara, Button, & Collins, 2010), as coaching can positively influence performance in athletes. (Amorose, and Horn, 2000; Gould, Medbery, Damarjian, and Lauer, 1999; Rieke, Hammermeister, & Chase, 2008). In cycling sports there is often an absence of coaching throughout all levels of competitor, which requires further analysis of how a coach may be contributing to the success of cycling sport athletes. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of psychological skills, coaching, and cycling experience on the performance of Cyclo-cross athletes. Participants in this study (n = 107) were athletes competing in the 2013USA Cycling National Championships. The results of this study support that goal-setting and frequency of communication with a coach indicates better performances. The results also show that a level of worry was experienced in the higher performing athletes, yet no other psychological skills were predicted by the presence of a coach. These findings support the need for coaches to work more closely with their athletes to strengthen other psychological skills traits, potentially contributing to performance.