Examination of Non-Regular Soccer Players’ Psychological Processes: How to Overcome the Difficulty of Not Being a Regular Player

抄録

Following the revision of the five-player substitution rule for soccer in 2022, the number of substitutes and their playing time increased, and tactical flexibility was created by replacing several players early in the game. Therefore, in modern soccer, having a squad depth that includes players who are used as the starting players (regular players) and reserve players and substitutes (non-regular players) is important. However, maintaining non-regular players’ motivation is difficult. This study aimed to clarify the psychological process by which non-regular soccer players overcome the difficulty of not becoming a regular player. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to determine how these individuals perceived and overcame this difficulty. The results were analyzed using the Modified Grounded Theory Approach, which generated six categories containing 26 concepts. Non-regular players combine different strategies to overcome their negative feelings regarding their present situation of being unable to attend games. This study revealed the transformative process involved in overcoming these negative feelings. In this process, players overcome the difficulty of being unable to attend games by combining various coping strategies, while experiencing negative feelings regarding their present situation. Thus, this study suggests that players in similar situations may be able to appropriately utilize coping strategies and confront difficulties by following this process.