THE EFFECT OF COPING STRATEGIES TECHNIQUES ON RUNNING ATHLETES

Anxiety is one of the main barriers that impact on performance among athletes and countless researches have been conducted on coping strategy techniques to reduce anxiety among athletes. Coping strategies techniques include positive self-talk, physical activity, goal setting, thinking on practice, thought stopping, remembering the worst-case scenario, focus on what you can control, imagery, meditation, simulation, breathing techniques, progressive relaxation, autogenic training and biofeedback. The present study sought to explore potential coping techniques used by Running Athletes. The sample consisted of 107 Running Athletes.  The sample was drawn from athletes who competed Sport between Universities. Results showed that ‘remember the worst-case scenario’ have the highest usage among athletes. National athletes used highest coping techniques than state, district, and university level athletes. Besides that national athletes showed highest performance level compared other categorised. Sport psychologists, sport counselors and coaches should encourage their athletes to use positive coping strategies to improve performance.

Key words: Anxiety, Coping Strategies and Performance