PSYCHOLOGICAL OBSTACLES TO CROQUET SUCCESS CONTINUED
Another finding from the grid was that the participants saw themselves, when playing well, as much more similar to themselves when not playing croquet and their ideal selves than when they were playing badly. This suggests that, when playing well, they felt that they were expressing their true selves. In addition, relationships were investigated between characteristics of participants and their repertory grid scores. Amongst the findings were that competitiveness was more important to, and competitive players were more likely to be viewed as helpful and supportive by, participants who had shown the greatest progression in their play, as indicated by a reduction in their handicaps. Conclusions Although the relatively small number of participants limits the conclusions that can be drawn from the studies, there are indications that the approach adopted could be useful in increasing individual players’ insight into psychological aspects of their game. In particular, it may be that for some players obstacles to being successful include dilemmas in which attributes that may lead to success, including competitiveness, are associated with what they see as undesirable personal characteristics. It is of interest, in this regard, that competitiveness was viewed more favourably by players who were showing the greatest progression in their game. Since dilemmas are amenable to psychological intervention (Feixas & Compañ, 2016; Procter & Winter, 2020), it may be that a focus on areas at a lower level of awareness, such as these, may be as useful an aspect of
coaching on the psychological aspects of the game as, for example, the teaching of relaxation exercises or cognitive techniques. References Feixas, G. & Compañ, V. (2016). Dilemma-focused intervention for unipolar depression: A treatment manual. BMC Psychiatry, 16, 235. Kelly, G.A. (1955). The psychology of personal constructs. Norton. Lewis, R.M. (1991). American croquet in the 1860s: Playing the game and winning. Journal of Sport History, 18, 365-386. Powell, G.H. (1901). The psychology of croquet. Temple Bar, 124, 56-61. Procter, H. & Winter, D.A. (2020). Personal and relational construct psychotherapy. Palgrave Macmillan. Riches, J. (2004). Croquet – The mental approach. http:// www.oxfordcroquet.com/coach/riches/mental/ Temlett, J. (2013). Does your brain control your mallet? Croquet World Online Magazine. http://www.croquetworld. com/Letters/mind-mallet.asp Woollcott, A. (n.d.). QuotesWave.com. Retrieved April 27, 2024, from QuotesWave.com. Website:https://www. quoteswave.com/text-quotes/432646
COULD YOUR SKILLS HELP INSPIRE GENERATIONS OF PLAYERS THROUGH OUR INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE SPORT? Croquet England is powered by volunteers, and we need more committed individuals to help turn good ideas into successful projects. Whether you can offer occasional advice or take an active role, your experience could make a real difference. We are especially keen to hear from people with skills in IT, public relations, marketing and communications, and fundraising. We would also welcome anyone passionate about youth development, growing participation, and using croquet to support health and wellbeing. You may have professional expertise, practical experience, fresh ideas or simply the enthusiasm to get involved. There are opportunities to support specific projects, contribute to an area that interests you, or help us shape future activity. Every contribution counts, and we will work with you to find a role that suits your interests, skills and availability. Don’t be shy: if you think you can help, please get in touch with Alison at communications@croquetengland.org.uk. We would be delighted to hear from you
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