Mindfulness-based interventions in team sports: Effects on psychological and performance outcomes: A systematic review

Abstract

Team sport athletes are frequently exposed to psychological demands, including competitive pressure, performance anxiety, attentional distractions, and emotional challenges that may adversely affect performance outcomes. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged as widely recognized psychological techniques in recent years due to their potential benefits for both performance outcomes and athletes’ psychological health. However, evidence regarding their effectiveness specifically within the team sport context remains limited. This systematic review aimed to examine the impact of MBIs on performance-related outcomes among team sport athletes. A thorough literature search was conducted utilizing the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SportDiscus and ScienceDirect databases. Additionally, further eligible studies were located through manual screening of reference lists. Peer-reviewed empirical studies published in English between 2017 and 2026 that investigated MBIs among team sport athletes using experimental or quasi-experimental designs were included. A total of 21 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. The findings were synthesised thematically into four categories: (1) attentional control and concentration, (2) emotional regulation and competitive anxiety, (3) sport-specific outcomes, and (4) team dynamics and communication. Most reviewed studies reported positive effects of MBIs across multiple performance-related domains. Mindfulness training improved attentional control, concentration, cognitive flexibility, and information processing abilities among athletes. Significant reductions in competitive anxiety, stress, emotional reactivity, and psychological inflexibility were also reported, alongside improvements in resilience, mental toughness, flow, and psychological flexibility. Sport-specific improvements, including basketball shooting accuracy, football penalty kick performance, tactical decision-making, and performance under pressure, were observed across several studies. Limited evidence also suggested potential benefits for team communication and collective functioning. However, methodological heterogeneity across studies limits the generalisability of these findings. Overall, MBI’s appear to be an effective strategy for enhancing both psychological functioning and sport-specific performance in team sport athletes.