Topprestation

Abstract

To achieve peak performance as a young elite athlete, there are many psychological and physical factors that have impact on human’s performance. Factors that affect the performance interplay and interact must work to maintain ability to perform at its peak. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that contribute to peak performance. Data collection method of the study has been done with a questionnaire, addressed to young elite athletes on a secondary school. It was 87 respondents who participated on voluntary and anonymously conditions. The respondents consisted of men and women between 16 and 19 years old. A pilot study was examined in purpose to secure the validity and reliability. In conclusion, the respondents begin their preparation for contests with less than a week and more over, up to six months. Due to respondent’s answers, factors as physics, technique, strategy, tactic, mental exercises and social support had a positive impact to their preparation phase. Factors that led to top performance and had impact from strategy phase, due to respondents were, mental training, nutrition and branch training. Factors, which contributed to respondent’s peak performance during the actual competition, were in general, attitude, confidence, focus, goals, mental preparation and motivation. Factors that seem to have a negative impact on athletes performance but were neglected by respondents in the actual contest was, external disturbance, social, intellectual and physical anxiety, and previous setbacks. The conclusion is that most factors, which were investigated for this study, somehow affect young athletes performance before and during a competition.