Meta-Analysis of Psychological Skills Training on Table Tennis Player Performance

Psychological skills training (PST) has been increasingly recognized as a vital component in enhancing athletic performance, particularly in precision sports like table tennis. This meta-analysis synthesizes evidence from intervention studies examining the impact of PST on table tennis players' performance and related psychological outcomes. A systematic search identified five eligible studies involving a total of 50 participants. Studies employed various PST techniques, including self-talk, imagery, goal setting, visualization, and cognitive-behavioral anger management. Outcomes included improvements in psychological skills (e.g., via Test of Performance Strategies), reductions in anxiety and anger, and enhanced performance metrics. Using a random-effects model, the overall standardized mean difference (SMD) for PST effects on psychological outcomes was 1.12 (95% CI: 0.68–1.56), indicating a large positive effect. Heterogeneity was moderate (I² = 52%). Findings suggest PST significantly boosts table tennis performance, though limited by small sample sizes and varied methodologies. Future research should prioritize larger randomized controlled trials.