Determining Factors of Psychological Performance and Differences among Age Categories in Youth Football Players

Within the determining factors of psychological performance, mental toughness is considered a multidimensional factor, comprising cognitive, affective, and behavioural components together with self-confidence, which related to success in sports performance as well health well-being. The aim this study was analyse relationship between different composing age categories young football players, order determine presence specific skills their formative progression. A total 118 male players (16.91 ± 2.42 years old) completed Spanish version by Cernuda (1988) original Psychological Performance Inventory (PPI) Loher (1982, 1986). results indicated significant differences four variables (negative energy control, attention visual image motivational level) on three categories, where U19 category showed best for all variables, decreasing afterwards semi-professional category. Significant correlations were established variable significantly correlated positive way level. In same line, self-confidence positively negative level, energy. assessment such toughness, taking into account stage, may be helpful both coaches when selecting adequate skill training improving competitive sporting success, healthy development