ABSTRACT
Since 2000 there has been a relative explosion of research interest in the basic psychological skill of self-talk. Research findings support the assertion that self-talk can be a “good thing,” demonstrating effects on concentration, confidence, motor learning, and motor performance. However, the existing literature has almost exclusively viewed self-talk through an individualistic lens, despite the fact that individual athletes commonly train together and, in certain sports, compete as teams. In this chapter I outline the importance of interpersonal factors for self-talk and present novel theorising linking self-talk and team effectiveness. In addition, I explain how self-talk can be used in order to optimise performance in two particular situations team sport players commonly find themselves in: dealing with pressure and dealing with fatigue.
