Background/Purpose: Accurate tactical execution is one of the most important factors affecting success in sports. In addition, thinking ability and mental skills are also found to influence the improvement of athletic performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between critical thinking, psychological skills and tactical execution ability of softball players.
Method: Thirty college female softball players participated in this study, and completed the Critical Thinking Skill Test and Ottawa Mental Skills Assessment Tool-3 prior to the season. The offensive tactical execution of the players during 15 games was observed by 3 experts. Data were analyzed with the Pearson correlation and multiple stepwise regression.
Analysis/Results: Critical thinking skills in explanation and deduction, competition planning and concentration positively predicted the offensive tactical ability.
Conclusions: The findings revealed that softball players who possessed higher critical thinking skills, attention skills and clear competition plans could execute offensive tactics more accurately. It shows that coaches can develop appropriate programs to enhance athletes' psychological skills and critical thinking skills in order to strengthen their offensive tactical ability at competitions.
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