The Influence of Combined Relaxation Meditation and Dynamic Exercise on Anxiety Levels among Beginner Soccer Players

Abstract

Anxiety is a psychological condition that can affect a soccer player's readiness for a match, particularly among novice players who are still developing their skills and competitive experience. This study aimed to analyze the effect of a combined intervention meditation based relaxation and dynamic exercises on the anxiety levels of novice soccer players. A quantitative approach with a pretest-posttest control group design was employed. The subjects were players from the SSB Sinar Mas Mojokerto club, selected using a total sampling method. The intervention was administered over a period of 4 - 5 weeks, three times a week, with each session lasting 20–30 minutes. Anxiety levels were measured using the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2), which assesses cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, and self-confidence. Data analysis was conducted using a paired-sample t-test. The results indicated that the experimental group experienced a reduction in cognitive and somatic anxiety and an increase in self-confidence following the intervention. The paired-sample t-test revealed a significant difference between pretest and posttest scores in the experimental group (p < 0.05), whereas changes in anxiety aspects within the control group were relatively minor. The combination of meditation-based relaxation and dynamic exercises shows potential as a component of psychological training for novice soccer players to assist in managing anxiety prior to sports activities