IRJMSH Vol 11 Issue 8 [Year 2020] ISSN 2277 – 9809 (0nline) 2348–9359 (Print) International Research Journal of Management Sociology & Humanity ( IRJMSH ) Page 340 www.irjmsh.com A STUDY ON THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF PLAYERS Anuj Kumar 1* , Pravendra Kumar 2 1 B.S. Cricket Academy, Mundet Kalan, Shamli- 247776 (Uttar Pradesh), India 2 B.V.M. PG College, Bah, Agra – 283104 (Uttar Pradesh), India *Corresponding author email: panwaranuj28@gmail.com ABSTRACT Sports psychology studies the role of psychological factors that can influence the sports, athletic performance, exercise, and physical activity. The sport psychologists help the sportsperson utilize psychology to improve their athletic performance and mental wellness. Different sub-areas have also emerged and require special attention, e.g. attentional focus which involves the ability to tune out distractions (such as screaming fans). Mental toughness that refers to the psychological characteristics are important for an athlete to reach the optimal performance. It also helps visualization and goal-setting. It can also be useful for helping athletes feel calmer and more focused before an event. Some sports psychologists work with professional athletes and coaches to improve performance by increasing, at both levels, extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic motivators are external rewards such as trophies, money, medals, or social recognition. Intrinsic motivators arise from within, such as a personal desire to win or the sense of pride that comes from performing a skill. In the light of abovementioned information, it becomes obvious to study the factors that can affect the sports performance of the athletes. Keywords Sports, Performance, Players INTRODUCTION Traditionally sports people put an enormous amount of preparation to their physical conditioning and technical skills to give their best performance. The importance and attention to psychological preparation can often be over looked. The diversity, unpredictability and intensity of sport places are challenges to the athlete both on a physically and psychologically level. The human mind is complex with people learning and developing at different speeds. Psychological skills will be an inherent ability for some to control their state under pressure and maintain focus during extreme circumstances of uncertainty. Sports psychology is striving hard to investigate athletic performance, to stabilize it and to improve sports performance by seeking an appropriate balance between physiological and psychological dimensions of performance. Sports psychology is a healthy field with a bright future and within physical education, the field continues to grow. Sports psychology offers advancements in the mental aspects of athletic competition and performance. Research shows that mental training, in addition to physical training, can improve results much more than physical training alone. Sports psychology has significantly changed lives of many athletes, coaches and other sports and exercise professionals. Mental