Self-Control in Professional Soccer Players

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the concept of self-control in association with engagement in daily activities of professional soccer players and its relationship with soccer performance. Findings indicated that self-control scores of male professional soccer players (N = 639), representing the first squad of every club playing in the (Norwegian) Premier and Second League, were associated with their lifestyle and practice time. A small, positive relationship between self-control and soccer performance was found. In terms of expert performance, a possible explanation of our findings is that self-control helps individuals stay on track on their pathways to excellence.