*Confidence and self-efficacy GapFill

A reason for the emergence of psychology in modern sport is the significant effect it can have on performance. Confidence is one aspect of psychology which could be as important as physical ability, and when the two are combined, can result in vast improvements in performance. In a sporting context, confidence can be defined as the   beliefincompetencyskillcontrol an individual has over their ability to perform successfully in sport.   Self-esteemSelf-efficacyTrait characteristicsSelf-effectiveness is a branch of confidence which refers to the belief an individual has concerning their ability to be successful when faced with a specific situation. For example, a gymnast might be confident in their flexibility, but can only apply this in certain events. Whether or not a performer possesses these traits can have a number of effects, and not merely on performance.

Impact of sports confidence on:

•  HealthPerformanceFitnessParticipation - If an individual is more confident about their sporting ability, they will be more willing to try out activities. This could be due to overcoming perceived barriers such as humiliation or   praisediscriminationsuccessmoney that impair an individual's confidence. For example, a female runner who repeatedly finishes last in a race might suffer from a loss of confidence each time which eventually causes her to drop out of sport altogether. This might not be a reflection of her ability, but instead of her confidence levels and the ability and confidence of other competitors. On the flip side, if this runner maintained her confidence, she might be encouraged to transfer to a sport where she was able to experience more success, and thus rebuild her confidence.
•  Self-esteemHealthParticipationFitness - This is likely to increase with sports confidence as it can direct a sense of positivity within the individual, increasing the belief in their abilities to perform and participate. Confidence could also lead to individuals inspiring others low on confidence to raise their levels and experience similar success. 
•  HealthPerformanceParticipationFitness - Having a high level of sports confidence enhances an individual's preparation and motivation for sport, improving the likelihood of positive outcomes. It can lead to a greater tendency to accept challenges and take risks, potentially improving performance even further. For example, a confident rugby player might be more willing to trust their kicking ability to gain territory during a game. However, there is potential for an individual to be   egotisticalrecklessover-confidentproud and become complacent with their actions. This might result in underperformance and have a negative effect on their confidence levels.