Mental development and sport project

Let’s bring together some key insights on children’s mental development to understand how they might also influence their path in sports.

1. Reading from an early age makes a real difference

In Italy, according to the latest 2022 ISTAT data, only 39.3% of people aged 6 and over read at least one book for pleasure in the past year—a decline compared to previous years. Women read more than men (44% vs. 34.3%), and this gap begins as early as age 11. Among young people under 24, reading is more common (57.1%), with girls aged 11–14 reaching over 60%.

Children who grow up in families where reading is a habit are far more likely to become regular readers. This is critical, because reading stimulates language development, imagination, focus, and self-discipline—all of which are essential not just in school, but in sports as well.

Still, even among those who do read, few do it consistently: only 6.4% of Italians are considered “strong readers” (12+ books per year), while 17.4% read no more than three books annually. Furthermore, one in ten households owns no books at all, and 63.6% own fewer than 100. Italy’s reading culture remains weak, especially given how vital it is for children’s cognitive and emotional development.

2. Your vocabulary at age 5 already says a lot about your future

Nobel laureate James Heckman has shown that by preschool age, there are already huge vocabulary gaps tied to socioeconomic background: children of unemployed parents know about 500 words, those from low-education households around 700, and those of college-educated parents up to 1,100. Sadly, these differences persist over time and strongly predict a child’s future in terms of career, income, health, and family stability.

This shows how critical it is to invest in education and cognitive stimulation from the earliest years of life.

3. Sports need trained minds—not just trained bodies

Novak Djokovic shared that as a child, he listened to classical music, read poetry, and studied languages. This multidisciplinary approach helped him build focus and emotional intelligence—vital traits in elite-level tennis. For him, life lessons and tennis lessons were one and the same.

His story illustrates that athletic talent alone isn’t enough: a trained mind is essential. That’s why promoting reading and culture from early childhood is also a key investment in sports. It helps develop not only better athletes, but also more disciplined, aware, and resilient individuals.

In summary
If we want to raise a generation of skilled athletes and active citizens, we must start with education: reading, language, critical thinking. Sport, like life, requires curious and well-prepared minds. The weak sporting culture in Italy is just one symptom of a deeper educational poverty—one that far too many young people pay for well before adulthood.

Mistakes are part of the game – Learn to react, not to blame yourself

“Mistakes are part of the game – learn to react, not to blame yourself.”

When you make a mistake during a match or competition, it’s easy to think there’s something wrong with your mindset or that you’re not mentally strong enough. But the truth is: mental errors aren’t caused by some deep psychological issue, they’re often just the result of a wrong mental approach in that moment.

Just like your body needs training, so does your mind. That means learning how to react to mistakes in the most helpful way. It’s not about avoiding mistakes (because no one can!), it’s about learning to use them to grow.

Even the best performances are full of mistakes – the difference is in how you respond. Winners aren’t the ones who never mess up; they’re the ones who keep playing well after a mistake.

So stop seeing mistakes as enemies or something to be ashamed of. Start seeing them as a natural part of your performance, something to learn from and correct. You don’t need to beat yourself up – you need to train yourself to find the right mindset so you can stay focused, composed, and ready to give your best.

In short: you don’t erase mistakes – you manage them. And that’s what real mental training is all about.


The winning mentality in tennis: reality or myth?

In the world of tennis, there’s a lot of talk about what it means to have a “winning mentality.” Some associate it with masculine traits, others see it as unwavering self-confidence. Some believe it’s a matter of character—something you’re either born with or not. Others still think that coming from a disadvantaged background creates that hunger to succeed, the so-called “will to win” of champions.

These explanations tend to build a rigid, almost mythical idea of what a winning mentality is. As a result, tennis players may feel trapped by their origins: if they don’t match these predefined stories, they might think they’ll never become winners.

However, my experience working with many elite athletes—including 13 Olympic medalists—and what sports psychology tells us about top performers show a different, more realistic picture: one that’s practical, trainable, and within everyone’s reach. In this article, I want to share a few actionable guidelines that any tennis player can follow to improve their performance—always, of course, in relation to their technical level, physical condition, and style of play.

1. Have No Expectations—Just Do Your Best

Every player wants to win. But that thought should be pushed to the back of your mind. What truly matters is staying focused on the present—each serve, each return. You can’t control the outcome of a point, but you can control your effort. So focus only on your game. Then, after each rally, see whether your best was enough—or whether your opponent did better.

2. Be Patient: Tough Moments Will Come

Tennis is a game where the winner is the one who makes fewer mistakes. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s to make fewer errors than your opponent. Negative moments are part of every match. Believing they won’t come is unrealistic. When they do, don’t get angry or discouraged. Instead, stay patient and keep playing with focus.

3. Don’t Let the Score Dictate Your Emotions

Less experienced players—and many teenagers—often get excited when they play well and emotionally collapse when they lose points. This leads to emotional and behavioral instability. You should be your own biggest supporter on the court, not like those fans who cheer only when their team is winning and boo when it’s losing.

4. Manage Competitive Stress and Accept Your Fears

Many players are so afraid of their own fears that they make excuses: “I wasn’t feeling the ball today,” “My legs felt heavy,” “My opponent played the match of their life.” Girls, in particular, may be more emotionally reactive, getting pumped up or discouraged depending on how points go. The key difference between champions and others is the courage to face those fears and learn how to manage them.

5. Think About the Game

No matter your level, you need to have a clear idea of how you want to play. Even a simple plan like “run and get the ball back” is better than no plan at all. This is especially true for serving: “How can I put my opponent under pressure?” “What was I doing when I won those points?” You need both technical thoughts and motivational thoughts. They’re equally important.

In conclusion, the winning mentality isn’t magic, nor is it reserved for a select few. It’s a set of attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors that anyone can develop. Every tennis player has the chance to cultivate it—starting with one simple thing: focusing on what’s within their control.

Tadej Pogačar’s Winning Mindset: Talent, Composure, and Strategy

At just 25 years old, Tadej Pogačar has claimed his 100th career victory today at the Tour de France — a remarkable milestone that firmly places him among the legends of cycling. Multiple-time Tour de France winner, he has become an international icon not just for his extraordinary physical ability, but for his mental resilience and mindset.

Throughout his career, there have been key moments where mental strength made the difference. One of the most striking was during the penultimate stage of the 2020 Tour de France. Trailing race leader Primož Roglič before a decisive time trial, Pogačar kept calm under pressure and delivered a legendary performance to take the yellow jersey. That victory was not just physical — it was psychological: focus, confidence, and nerves of steel.

Today, being the favorite is no longer the exception but the rule. “Every race I’m considered the favorite. I’ve learned to live like this,” Pogačar says. What would be a burden for many has become part of his identity. He embraces the pressure, managing it with composure. His mental strategy is clear: don’t get consumed by expectations, take things day by day, and save energy — physically and mentally — for the moments that matter most.

Pogačar shows impressive emotional maturity. He stays focused, composed, and never gets distracted by media hype or external expectations. Even when facing criticism — like doubts about the strength of his team — he responds calmly, reinforcing his trust in his teammates. This mental balance is one of the foundations of his success.

His mindset can be defined as disciplined, determined, and resilient. He trains hard, prepares meticulously, and most importantly, keeps learning. After every race, he reviews his performances, identifies areas for improvement, and adapts his training accordingly. This growth-oriented approach allows him to constantly evolve and aim even higher.

What’s more, Pogačar exudes a sense of calm even in high-stakes moments. He jokes with journalists, downplays the difficulty of race routes, and never seems rattled — not even on the eve of a Grand Tour. This doesn’t reflect carelessness, but rather a deep inner confidence, built over years of hard work and self-awareness.

In short, Tadej Pogačar’s success is the product of a rare blend of natural talent and mental strength. Determination, composure, self-belief, strategic intelligence, and a humble desire to improve — these are the traits that define his greatness. And at just 25, with 100 wins already behind him, the best is likely yet to come.

What are sports?

Often, those who don’t follow competitive sports and don’t understand their value ask what drives these young people to dedicate their lives to this activity. To begin to understand what leads someone to pursue a sporting career, I believe one must first recognize that while we refer to “sport” in the singular, in reality we should use the plural and speak of “sports.”

In fact, sports are very different from one another and satisfy vastly different psychological and physical characteristics. Just considering what has happened in the past few days: we could talk about the women’s football match between Italy and Portugal and the beautiful goal by Cristiana Girelli, about Sinner’s advancement to the next round after trailing two sets to none against an opponent who had to withdraw due to a serious injury, about the first woman to run under 14 minutes in the 5,000 meters, Beatrice Chebet, about the Tour de France that has just started and Filippo Ganna’s withdrawal after only a few kilometers of the first stage due to a crash, and also about the swimming world championships, the European wrestling championships, and the table tennis championships taking place during this period. There are sports where you race at over 300 km/h, and others that are practically done while standing still and motionless.

So I really don’t know how one could define “sport,” given all these incredibly different expressions of it. However, it seems that what unites them all are the competitions — the act of these young people challenging each other, each within their own discipline. This concept is well represented by the Olympic motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius, Communiter” (Faster, Higher, Stronger, Together). It is said that the important thing is to take part, each doing their best. Sport—or rather, sports—therefore represent one of the ways we human beings seek self-fulfillment: to know ourselves, to grow, to improve, and to live out a significant part of our social lives.

“This is who athletes are”

Ed Whitlock – Biography and running philosophy

I read an article about Ed Whitlock — the first person over 70 (at age 72) to run a marathon in under three hours (2:59:10), and at 85 he ran it in 3:56:34: Lepers R, Cattagni T. Age-related decline in endurance running performance – an example of a multiple World records holder. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2018 Jan;43(1):98-100.

I wanted to write a short biography about him to highlight his training method and mindset.

Ed Whitlock (1931–2017) was a legendary Canadian marathon runner known for redefining the limits of age in distance running. Born in England and later moving to Canada, he became the first person over 70 to run a marathon in under 3 hours: at age 72, he completed a marathon in 2:59:10. At 85, he ran 3:56:34, still a world record for that age group.

Training Style

His method was surprisingly simple and “old-school.” Every day, he ran for hours, alone, doing laps around a small cemetery near his home—no music, no GPS, no coach. He didn’t do strength training or cross-training. His running shoes were often years old, and he usually wore the same worn-out gear.

Mental Approach

Whitlock’s secret was less about physical power and more about mental strength:

  • Simplicity: He kept things uncomplicated. Running was a natural act, repeated daily with patience.
  • Consistency: He believed in the power of routine. “Keep showing up” was his unspoken motto.
  • Humility: He never saw himself as a “serious athlete” and never took himself too seriously.
  • Solitude as strength: He found comfort in running alone, without distractions—almost like meditation.
  • Embracing discomfort: He didn’t shy away from effort. He knew it was part of the process and accepted it calmly.

Whitlock became a true icon for those who believe that discipline, simplicity, and love for running matter more than age or technology. A shining example of how mental strength can outperform statistics.

Heat and performance: what coaches and athletes need to know

Training or competing in the summer heat is more than just tough—it’s a real challenge for both body and mind. High temperatures can seriously affect athletic performance, and understanding these effects can make the difference between managing a session well and burning out too soon.

What Happens to the Body in the Heat

When it’s hot, the body sweats more to cool itself down. But with sweat, you lose water and essential minerals that muscles and the nervous system need to function. Without proper hydration, dehydration can lead to cramps, strength loss, slower reactions—and in extreme cases, heat stroke.

Your heart also works harder. More blood is sent to the skin to help cool the body, which means less blood is available for the working muscles. Even familiar workouts can feel more exhausting, and fatigue sets in faster.

What Happens to the Mind

Heat affects mental performance too. Athletes often report feeling more irritable, less focused, and mentally slower. Effort feels heavier than usual, which can hurt motivation and self-confidence—especially in competitive situations.

Stress management also becomes harder: staying calm, focused, and mentally sharp is more difficult when the brain is overheating and under pressure.

What You Can Do

To perform well in the heat, coaches and athletes should use clear, practical strategies:

  • Heat acclimatization: Gradually get used to training in the heat by starting with lighter sessions and increasing the load over time.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink before, during, and after training—don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
  • Cooling strategies: Use cold towels, ice baths, or cooling vests during breaks or after sessions.
  • Smart scheduling: Avoid the hottest hours of the day for intense training, if possible.
  • Mental training: Prepare athletes to handle heat-related discomfort with breathing techniques, focus drills, and positive self-talk.

In Summary

Heat is a challenge that needs to be managed, not ignored. Coaches and athletes must work together to recognize signs of fatigue and take action to prevent performance drops or health risks. With the right mindset, preparation, and strategies, it’s possible to keep training and performing—even under the sun.

Optimism about the spread of sports in Italy is hardly justified

How can we be satisfied—as representatives of Italian sport today—that in about 30 years, the number of people engaging in physical and sports activities, either regularly or occasionally, has increased by just 10%?

The situation is rather the following:

“At every age and stage of life, engaging in regular physical activity means making a choice in favor of one’s health. But how much physical activity is actually practiced in Italy and the rest of Europe? To answer this question, the editorial team of Dati alla mano—a podcast produced by Istat as part of its efforts to promote statistical literacy—interviewed Laura Iannucci, an Istat researcher and expert in the field.

What are the habits of adults in practicing physical activity in Italy and Europe?

According to the latest European Health Interview Survey (EHIS), referring to 2019, Italy ranks 21st out of 27 countries for the percentage of people who engage in physical activity during their leisure time: only 26.7% engage in aerobic physical activity (exercise involving a slight increase in breathing or heart rate) at least once a week, whereas among the overall European adult population the percentage rises to 44.3%. The data for Italy is even lower when it comes to muscle-strengthening activity (exercise aimed at strengthening the muscular system): only 14.4% of the adult population practices it, compared to 26.3% of the European adult population.”

Musculoskeletal disorders associated with excessive smartphone use: the text neck syndrome

Piruta, J., & Kułak, W. (2025). Physiotherapy in Text Neck Syndrome: A Scoping Review of Current Evidence and Future Directions. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(4), 1386.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders associated with excessive smartphone use represent a significant health issue. Text neck syndrome is one such disorder within that group, increasingly affecting individuals worldwide across various age groups. The phenomenon of text neck may occur in individuals who frequently and for prolonged periods adopt a forward-flexed neck and head position while looking at the screens of mobile electronic devices. Various therapeutic methods are used in the treatment of text neck syndrome. However, there is no consensus on text neck rehabilitation, which poses a challenge for physiotherapists. 

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the phenomenon of text neck, with a particular emphasis on current scientific reports regarding the rehabilitation of text neck syndrome. The scoping review was conducted to determine the physiotherapy methods currently used in the treatment of individuals with text neck, assess their impact on symptom reduction, and identify existing knowledge gaps and limitations in the current literature on the rehabilitation of text neck syndrome. 

Design: A scoping review was conducted on the treatment of text neck syndrome based on electronic databases: PubMed, ResearchGate, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and the Cochrane Library. The databases were searched up to 1 December 2024. The inclusion criteria comprised studies investigating physiotherapy interventions for individuals with text neck, published between 2018 and 2024 and written in English. 

Results: A total of fifteen papers were reviewed, focusing on various methods used in text neck rehabilitation, including postural correction exercises, stabilization exercises, strengthening and stretching exercises, Pilates, PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation), kinesiology taping, Bowen therapy, and manual therapy. Nearly all studies were conducted in the adult population (93%), with the majority of studies taking place in India (60%). 

Conclusions: In summary, all studies suggest that appropriate physiotherapeutic interventions can provide significant benefits, including pain reduction, posture correction, and improved range of motion in the cervical spine. The best outcomes appear to be achieved by combining various therapeutic techniques. However, further high-quality research is needed to strengthen the evidence and offer reliable recommendations for clinical practice. Additionally, there is limited research on physiotherapy for text neck in the pediatric population, presenting a potential area for future studies.

Few teachers and coaches are truly trained to teach critical thinking

Everyone talks about the importance of educating critical thinking and emotional management, but in practice, few teachers or coaches are truly trained, aware, and active in these areas. Here are some reflections on this gap.

In SchoolsA 2021 meta-analysis examined 43 studies (~3,000 teachers from pre-K to 12th grade) on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs in schools. The goal: to improve teacher well-being, reduce stress, and prevent burnout. SEL interventions had a significant impact on: emotional self-regulation and coping strategies, reduction of professional stress and better classroom performance, personal well-being and teacher resilience.

  • Insufficient training – Most teachers receive preparation focused on subject content, not on students’ social-emotional growth.
  • Time pressure and tight curricula – With program requirements, standardized tests, and large class sizes, teachers struggle to carve out space for emotional education.
  • Few practical tools – Even motivated teachers often lack concrete resources to integrate emotional and cognitive development into daily activities.

In Sports - A 2018 meta-analysis of 22 studies (3,431 competitive athletes) found a weak but significant correlation between emotional intelligence (EI) and sports performance. This is notable, since EI is known to be linked to stress management, effective use of psychological skills, and athletic performance.

  • Result-oriented culture – Too many coaches, even at youth level, are still focused on performance rather than personal development.
  • Outdated models – An authoritarian approach is still passed down, where emotions and reflection are seen as weakness or distraction.
  • Exceptions exist – There are coaches (especially in more advanced youth sectors) who use sport as a way to teach self-control, awareness, and cooperation.