Pre-performance routines In weightlifting

Abstract

Introduction – Pre-performance routines (PPRs) are defined as physical and psychological routines that are carried out by athletes prior to performing a particular skill. PPRs are highly integral in improving an athlete’s performance by building on mental strength, focus, determination, resiliency and concentration. Athletes in Malta do not have the advantage of being solely focused on weightlifting, but rather have to split time between fulltime employment and sports. This creates a rather stressed athlete that needs to learn to perform under pressure. The purpose of this study is to be able to see how basic mental skills during pre-performance routines including visualisation of the movement, deep breathing techniques, mindfulness and positive self-talk aid in conducting a successful lift. Furthermore, this research will outline the importance of pre-performance routines for weightlifters along with the knowledge Maltese athletes own, with regards to PPRs. Finally gender differences with regards to maintenance and usage of PPRs will be investigated. Methodology – Qualitative Analysis is the method utilised in this dissertation. Questions for the interview are semi-structured and the athletes were chosen through convenient sampling. Ethical approval was obtained from the Faculty Research Ethics Committee (FREC) and the University Research Ethics Committee (UREC) prior to the commencement of data collection. Information sheets were handed through the gatekeeper, and signed consent forms were collected prior to the interviews. Thematic Analysis is utilised for codes and themes to be generated. Results – Not all Maltese weightlifters have a set routine and not all weightlifters know what pre performance routines are. It is clear that in Malta, both coaches and athletes need to be more informed on how to utilise and develop pre-performance routines in their training.