Self-talk
Planned, short sentences or keywords that either guide execution (instructional) or regulate activation and motivation (motivational).
Intended for
Transforming inner dialogue from uncontrolled self-commentary into a usable instruction.
Who does the evidence apply to?
Meta-analytically supported across sports and age groups, including young athletes.
Boundaries
Instructional self-talk is most effective for fine motor skills; effects are smaller for strength and endurance tasks. Positive platitudes unrelated to the task have little effect.
In athlete speak
"I'm the best" achieves little. A word that tells you what to do next achieves a lot.
Accessible doesn't mean inaccurate: We simplify the language, not the message.
For Parents
What we know
Short, task-oriented self-instructions measurably improve performance.
What we don't know
How long effects remain stable without practice.
What that means in practice
Don't dictate sentences – ask what word works for your child.
Sources
- Hatzigeorgiadis, A., Zourbanos, N., Galanis, E., & Theodorakis, Y. (2011). Self-Talk and Sports Performance: A Meta-Analysis. Perspectives on Psychological Science.Meta-AnalysisPopulation: Athletes of various ages and performance levelsDOI 10.1177/1745691611413136
Content on this method
Missed a 7-metre throw
Open shot, everyone watches, ball doesn't go in.
Shot missed
Open shot, goes wide or to the goalkeeper.
Turnover
Lost the ball in a challenge or it was intercepted.
Goalkeeper error
A ball you normally save goes in.
Being substituted
You go off, even though you wanted to stay on.
Taken out during a tight phase
You come off the pitch when it's plus/minus one.
Criticism from the coach
Loudly, in front of the team or during a timeout.
Criticism from teammates
Annoyed gesture, loud comment, looking away after a misplaced pass.
These contents are knowledge and training offerings from sport psychology. They do not replace psychotherapy, medical treatment, or professional sport psychological support.