Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part F (2025)

This study examined the relationship between field positions and aggression levels among 148 male football players aged 18-23 who participated in the 2023-2024 South Zone Inter University Football Tournament held at the University of Calicut, Kerala. Participants were categorised into offensive, midfield, and defensive roles, with goalkeepers excluded from analysis. Aggression was assessed using Bandura’s Aggression Questionnaire, which demonstrated high reliability (r = 0.91, p<0.01) through a test-retest method. Players completed the questionnaires individually after being briefed on the study’s purpose and procedure, and responses were scored using standard guidelines. One-way ANOVA was used to analyse differences in aggression based on positions, followed by Scheffe’s post hoc test for detailed pairwise comparisons. The results revealed that midfielders exhibited significantly higher aggression than both offensive and defensive players, while no significant difference was observed between the latter groups. The findings underscore how positional demands shape psychological characteristics like aggression and indicate a need for targeted interventions in training and psychological support, particularly for midfielders. The study recommends that coaches and sports psychologists implement aggression management and emotional regulation strategies tailored to different playing positions. Such approaches can help maximize athletic performance and team cohesion while minimising maladaptive behaviours, thus contributing to the holistic development of football athletes.