Performance assessment in sport: Formulation, justification, and confirmatory factor analysis of a measurement instrument for tennis performance

Abstract

The present study reports the refinement and confirmatory factor analysis of a performance assessment instrument designed for tennis, first reported in Rees, Ingledew, and Hardy (1999). Background and justification for this study are reported, together with a detailed description of the sequential model-testing approach (Jöreskog, 1993) adopted. The factor structure of the instrument was tested using a sample of 155 full-time tennis players. Analyses revealed good fit for the proposed model to the new data sample, and provided confirmation for the seven performance factors: Execution of (Flexible) Plan, Loss of Composure, Feeling Flat, Determination, Worry, Flow, and Effective Tactics. Performance factors discriminated between winners and losers. Performers should look at the various factors comprising overall performance; in a sense, the processes by which they come to achieve their successes.