The relation between self-efficacy and sport performance: Evidence from a sample of youth baseball players

Abstract

The relation between self-efficacy and hitting in a baseball batting cage was tested in a sample of 205 youth and adolescents (9 yr. to 17 yr. old males). Hitting performance and self-efficacy were assessed during four opportunities in the cage. Initial efficacy did not predict baseline hitting, and in the three subsequent trials, efficacy also failed to predict hitting. However, in each case, subsequent hitting was predicted by previous hitting performance, and subsequent self-efficacy was predicted by previous efficacy. Finally, subsequent efficacy was predicted by previous hitting performance. Discussion focuses on the relationship between performance and ability efficacy in athletic skill development.