Mental Training Strategies for Enhancing Self-Confidence in Table Tennis Athletes: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Table tennis is a sport with a fast tempo, high demands for accuracy, and the need for split-second decision-making. These conditions place psychological aspects, particularly self-confidence, as a crucial determinant of athlete performance. However, table tennis coaching in Indonesia still places the mental aspect as a less structured component compared to technical and physical aspects. This study aimed to analyse various mental training strategies that are effective in improving the self-confidence of table tennis athletes through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). Literature searches were conducted in international and national databases following PRISMA 2020 guidelines across the 2010–2024 period. From 309 identified articles, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Most included studies employed experimental or quasi-experimental designs and involved adolescent to young adult athletes. The synthesis revealed that mental training techniques such as self-talk, imagery, goal setting, mindfulness, relaxation, pre-performance routines, and psychological skill training consistently improved the athlete self-confidence, emotional regulation, focus, and mental readiness. Integrated PST and multi-technique interventions demonstrated stronger effects than single-technique approaches. However, national studies remain limited, particularly in terms of small sample sizes and short intervention durations, which restrict generalizability. These findings highlight the need for systematic integrations of mental trainings within athlete development programs in Indonesia. Future research is recommended to employ larger samples, longer intervention durations, validated psychological instruments, and sport-specific mental training models tailored to the technical and cognitive demands of table tennis.