Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to provide a foundational understanding of mental and physical pre-performance routines of elite squash athletes.

Method: The sample included 18 squash professionals who were ranked in the top 10 in the world, balanced by gender, generation, and nationality. Each participated in a semi-structured interview that addressed pre-tournament and pre-match routines, plus questions about pre-planned strategies applied in-match and general dispositional variables.

Result: Descriptive qualitative analyses supported by a web-based text analysis tool yielded a number of common and unique routines with regard to training protocol, sleep hygiene, diet regimen, mental work, tactical preparation, and physical warmup. The importance of adaptability and acceptance of pressure were also suggested. One difference by nationality was noted: religious faith. Conclusion: There was a good deal of commonality, but also examples of individuality, in PPRs for professional squash athletes.

Keywords: Pre-performance routines; Athletic competition; Physical; Mental; Emotion regulation; Psychological resilience