A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF COMPETITIVE ANXIETY BETWEEN FOOTBALL DEFENDER AND FORWARD PLAYERS

Abstract

The present study aimed to compare the level of competitive anxiety between football defenders and forwards. Competitive anxiety is a psychological factor that significantly influences an athlete’s performance during training and competition. The study was conducted on a sample of 40 male football players, comprising 20 defenders and 20 forwards, selected from various football clubs and colleges. Data were collected using a standardized Competitive Anxiety Questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques, including mean, standard deviation, and independent t-test.

The findings revealed differences in the competitive anxiety levels of defenders and forwards. Defenders demonstrated comparatively higher anxiety levels due to their responsibility for preventing goals and maintaining team defense, whereas forwards experienced anxiety associated with scoring opportunities and performance expectations. However, the statistical analysis indicated that the difference in competitive anxiety between the two groups was not significant at the selected level of significance. The study concludes that both defenders and forwards experience competitive anxiety, though the nature and sources of anxiety may vary according to their playing positions.

The results of this research may help coaches, sports psychologists, and trainers develop position-specific psychological training programs to manage anxiety and enhance football performance. Further studies with larger samples and different competitive levels are recommended to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between playing position and competitive anxiety in football.