Mental Toughness of Malaysia Junior Badminton Players Using Talent Identification Decision Support System
Kamaruzaman Soeed*, A. H. Omar, Muhammad Iqbal Tariq Idris, Izwyn, Z. Frederick, M. F. A., Jaysuman Pusppanathan, Fatin Aqilanajwa Adenan
Abstract
Mental toughness is an important element in modern sports. As an added value, most athletes need mental strength to compete at the highest level. In order to produce future champions, mental strength must be given special attention in the process of establishing their identity as athletes. In badminton, this subject matter must be emphasized because badminton is a sport played either as individuals or in pairs. Therefore, the present study examines the level of mental toughness between junior and elite junior badminton players in Malaysia by using Sports Talent Identification Decision Support System (STIDSS). 14 to 16 years old male athletes (n=40) from the Bukit Jalil Sports School and a few State Sports Schools were involved in this study. The subjects were selected from two categories; 1) elite junior and 2) junior. The integrated questionnaire in STIDSS is used to measure the level of mental toughness (adapted from Goldberg, 2002) and applied to both groups. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the groups on the five-sub construct of mental toughness consisting of rebound ability, pressure, concentration, confidence and motivation. Overall, the results showed 80% of elite junior achieved strength level while the other 20% reached an average level in the mental toughness evaluation. On the other hand, a group of junior athletes achieved 15% in strength level, 65% in an average level and 20% poor level. On all the sub construct of mental toughness dimensions, there were significant differences between elite junior and junior athletes. Elite junior athletes have shown excellent attributes in all the factors, whereas junior athletes indicated average scores. Mental toughness is an important aspect in sports. It can increase self-confidence when confronted with difficult situations when competing. Further training and experiences in competing can help athletes to absorb stress easily in future.
