Does self-talk improve footballing performance under pressure? : Examining regulatory fit framework as a self-talk strategy in a footballing task

Abstract: Introduction: The study of self-talk and its influence on sport performance is extensive. Lately, the study of pressure performance within a regulatory fit framework has gained momentum. However, little research has investigated the influence regulatory fit may have on performance and, more precisely, how the use of self-talk with such framework may have on performance under pressure. Objective: To examine whether female football players with self-talk training within a regulatory fit framework produce better performances in a passing football task when under perceived pressure compared to a control group. Methods: In a pre– post-test, independent group study design, 33 female football players (M = 19.52, SD = 2.82 years) completed a passing drill carried out in two separate conditions, that is under no pressure and under pressure. Participants also completed a series of psychological measures that are relevant in the study of the performance–pressure relationship (i.e., affect, anxiety, self-confidence, and mental effort). Results: Performance under pressure was protected from deterioration in the experimental group. The experimental group also showed lower levels of negative emotions and higher self-confidence. Conclusion: Findings suggests that self-talk within a regulatory fit framework improves footballing performance under pressure and could be considered as a self-talk strategy beneficial to performance under pressure.