Theodorakis, Y., Chroni, S., Laparidis, K., Bebetos, V., & Douma, I. (2001). Slef-talk in a basketball shooting task. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 92, 309-315.

Students (N = 60) were formed into a control group and two experimental groups. The task of free-throw shooting was executed under general instructions (control), experimental group I self-talked using "relax", and experimental group II self-talked with "fast."

The "relax" group improved significantly more than the other two groups.

Implication. Self-talk can influence performance provided its content is appropriate for the task to be performed.

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