The Influence of Pre-task Music on Flow State and Goal-Shooting Performance in Collegiate Female Futsal Players: A Single-Subject Study”

Abstract

Despite the growing body of research exploring the impact of music on athletic performance, there remains a limited understanding of how pre-task music listening influences both flow state and specific performance outcomes in individual athletes. The study aims to examine the effects of pre-task music listening on flow state and goal-shooting performance among four female futsal players of Universiti Sains Malaysia. In this study, a single-subject design (A-B design) was employed. Participants underwent a Non-Intervention Baseline phase (Phase A) and an Intervention Phase (Phase B). In both phases, each participant performed a goal-shooting task, namely the Massey Futsal Shooting Test (MFST). In Phase A (Weeks 1 to 5), participants did not listen to music before performing the goal-shooting task. In Phase B (Weeks 6 to 10), participants listened to music for ten minutes before performing the goal-shooting task. Participants gave their responses using the Flow State Scale-2, and the researcher recorded the goal-shooting scores. Results for goal-shooting scores and flow state scores were plotted on graphs for each participant using Microsoft Excel. Visual analysis was used to analyze the data. All participants showed improvements in goal-shooting scores between Phase B and Phase A, while only one participant demonstrated a decrease in flow state score during Phase B. The study indicates that listening to music has positive effects on goal-shooting performance, as well as enhancing participants’ flow experience. As a recommendation, coaches should incorporate pre-task music listening into warm-up routines for futsal players. Given the observed improvements in goal-shooting performance, selecting appropriate music may help to enhance focus, readiness, and playing experience in athletes