The objective of this research was to find out if there is a difference in the mental ability of table tennis athletes depending on the age category (senior and veterans, and young table tennis players from 8 to 22 years old). The sample consisted of 133 table tennis players from around Spain. In order to measure the psychological abilities of table tennis athletes, the Spanish version of the "Psychological Characteristics Related to Sport Performance Questionnaire" (CPRD) was used. The results showed higher levels of motivation (p<.01) and mental ability (p<.01) in young table tennis players. No differences were found in the other factors (stress control, influence of performance evaluation and team cohesion). Subsequently, the mental ability factors were separated, the results showed higher levels in young table tennis players in: visualization practice (p<.01), positive self-talk (p<.05) and others mental abilities (p<.05). In the other areas (goal setting, objective performance analysis, skill deficit and stress control), no significant differences were found. In addition, linear regression analyses (R2=.83) showed a relationship between the other mental abilities and young table tennis players. It was concluded that young table tennis players have better mental abilities in the areas of: visualization practice, positive self-talk, and other mental abilities. Furthermore, other mental abilities relate to young table tennis players.
© Copyright 2017 Proceedings Book of The 15th ITTF Sports Science Congress Düsseldorf, 27th - 28th May 2017. Published by International Table Tennis Federation. All rights reserved.