Coping under pressure: the role of psychological skills in injury occurrence among sub-elite male soccer players

Study Aim: This study examined the relationship between psychological coping skills and injury occurrence among sub-elite male soccer players, assessing differences between injured and non-injured players and across playing positions.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 223 sub-elite male soccer players from four South African universities. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire, including demographic data, injury history, and the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 (ACSI-28). Statistical analyses (t-tests and ANOVA) compared coping skills between injured and non-injured players and across positions.

Results: No significant differences were found in total ACSI-28 scores between injured and non-injured players (p = 0.917) or in individual subscales. However, positional differences emerged: midfielders had the highest scores in ”Confidence and Achievement Motivation” (p = 0.038) and “Peaking Under Pressure” (p = 0.003), while defenders had the lowest. Goalkeepers scored highest in ”Coachability,” likely due to their specialized training.

Conclusions: Coping skills did not significantly differentiate injured from non-injured players, but positional differences highlight the need for tailored psychological training. Future research should explore interventions to enhance mental resilience and injury prevention in soccer.