Beyond conventional mental skills training in sports: a critical review of current paradigms

Mental skills training (MST) has emerged as a critical component in optimizing sports performance, complementing physical training. This review challenges conventional perspectives by providing a critical re-evaluation of MST, delving into core mental skills, their theoretical underpinnings, and exploring new frameworks that reshape the field. Key mental strategies such as goal setting, visualization, self-talk, concentration, and arousal regulation are critically reviewed, with particular emphasis on their practical application in diverse sports contexts. A comprehensive literature search from inception to July 2024 was conducted using the databases Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO, and twenty-one (N=21) peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria. This review questions traditional approaches to MST, proposing it as not just a supplementary tool but a transformative force in athletic development. It argues for a more adaptive and integrative approach to MST, accounting for individual and contextual variability in sports performance. Through a critical analysis of both established practices and emerging trends, this review aims to challenge current thinking, inspire innovative MST strategies, and introduce novel insights that can holistically empower athletes to meet the increasingly complex psychological demands of competitive sports.