Nel mondo e nelle persone interessate allo sport si sta finalmente facendo strada una convinzione: la differenza di prestazione tra due atleti è data dalla rispettiva tenuta mentale.
Riporto un estratto di “Basketball FundaMENTALs” di Jay Mikes.
[…] Despite all the attention given to attitude, emotions, motivation, being psyched up, and other vague explanations of mental preparedness, until quite recently there has never been an adequate explanation of the psychological factors of success. Although athletes have been given the right technique, the right exercises, the right meals, and the right equipment, they have rarely if ever received the right psych job.
How can all athletes come closer to realizing their potential? In other words, how can athletes develop the mental fundamentals for outstanding performance?
Coaches have almost entirely neglected the mental training of high school, college, and professional athletes, because coaches did not believe psychological factors were important.
On the contrary, coaches have always believed the game’s mental dimensions are very important ingredients of success.
Consider all the times you have heard a coach say to a player, “Concentrate!” or “Relax!”, but have you ever heard a coach explain how to relax and concentrate?
Sports psychologist to help athletes learn proper:
- concentration and awareness,
- emotional control,
- relaxation,
- overcoming pressure,
- positive thinking,
- mental rehearsal,
and other mental skills related to sports in general. […].
Siamo forse ad un punto di svolta?