Pre-competitive anxiety and post-competitive mood in male and female padel players

Abstract

The main objective of this research was to analyse and compare the level of pre-competitive anxiety, post-competitive mood and the relationship between both constructs according to variables such as gender, age, competitive environment and performance in competitive padel players. The sample consisted of a total of 93 padel players with a mean age of 21.11 (± 7.910) years. For data collection, two measurement instruments were used: the pre-competition anxiety questionnaire (CSAI-2R) twenty-four hours in advance, prior to the competition, and the mood questionnaire (POMS) in its reduced version, in the fifteen minutes after the end of the match. The results showed that women showed less self-confidence compared to men. In terms of age, players aged 18-23 years showed a higher level of self-confidence and a lower level of somatic and cognitive anxiety than those aged 24 years and older. Significant differences were also observed between athletes competing at national level and those competing at international level, with the latter showing lower levels of fatigue and self-confidence than the former. Finally, in relation to the result obtained from the competition, the players who lost their match in three sets presented a greater state of anger and depression compared to those who were victorious, and, on the contrary, the latter acquired higher levels of vigour and friendliness. Therefore, coaches and trainers of players, of all ages and levels, must consider psychological training as a fundamental part of their training, promoting training tasks that help to improve the self-confidence of athletes and reduce anxiety levels.