A PERFORMANCE INDUCED REFLECTION ON THE USE OF SELF-TALK DURING CRICKET BATTING PERFORMANCE

Abstract

This purpose of this study was to qualitatively investigate the use of self-talk during cricket batting performance through an innovative approach that allowed for within performance responses to be examined. Upon the collection of video footage for four professional one-day cricket matches, five batsmen were selected upon innings of significant length. The footage was edited in line with critical incidents highlighted by three accredited cricket coaches. Guided by the edited video footage, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the five participants to gather in-depth information and explanations about the participants’ use of self-talk during each critical incident. The findings of this study were represented as a temporal description of the use of self-talk across a batsman’s innings, highlighting the use of self-talk as a continual narrative that strategically determines shot selection and enhances skill execution. In addition, during periods of declining performance participants indicated an increased use of self-talk suggesting that its use enhanced self-efficacy and focus, whilst reducing performance anxiety.