Monthly Archive for December, 2023

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Accepting stress improves personal well-being

Published on December 19, 2023 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: minaccia.

Research findings suggest that interventions designed to reduce in individuals the evaluation of a situation, such as a performance, as threatening promote personal well-being.

One intervention that could achieve this goal is to optimize stress perception by encouraging individuals to view stress and specific responses (e.g., increased heart rate) as beneficial. In this regard, data show that promoting a constructive approach to stress can limit threat assessment and improve performance.

For example, a synergistic mindset intervention that promotes a stress-promoting mindset and a growth mindset toward intelligence mitigates threat responses (e.g., lower vascular resistance) and promotes health and well-being (e.g., lower anxiety symptoms).

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Sport psychology function in our society

Published on December 19, 2023 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: psicologi dello sport.

One way to understand the role that sports and physical activity play in our society involves the breadth that scientific research has achieved. To focus solely on the field of sports and exercise psychology, there are dozens of scientific and practical application books published every year, and it’s likely that, conservatively, over 5,000 scientific articles are published annually.

I’ve been fortunate to be a part of this development. When I started, there were only two sports psychology journals worldwide and few manuals available, including the Italian one by Ferruccio Antonelli and Alessandro Salvini, and the English book ‘Psychological Foundations of Sport’ edited by John Silva and Robert Weinberg. There were no coaching manuals yet, unlike what the School of Sport later did, while in Canada, texts on sports psychology for coaches existed as early as the mid-’70s. It wasn’t easy to stay updated during those years. Antonelli assisted me in this regard, as I could read the books he received and translated the abstracts of the two journals into Italian. Additionally, I began fostering relationships with the International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP) on behalf of the International Journal of Sport Psychology. Consequently, in 1987, I attended my first meeting in Varna with the managing council of ISSP, where I met Vanek, Singer, Salmela, Roberts, and Unestahl.

Nowadays, sports psychology plays a significant role in the fields of psychology and motor sciences, and from an applied standpoint, its function is acknowledged in enhancing the performance of athletes and groups and in fostering psychological well-being. No one responds anymore with ‘I’m not crazy’ when asked if they’re consulting a sports psychologist, a response that characterized my generation and to which we had to learn to reply by explaining the utility of this work.

Presently, scientific data tremendously support us compared to 40 years ago, and as experts, we must know how to utilize them because it’s no longer acceptable to claim ignorance of where to find information. The internet serves as an incredibly useful, cost-free vehicle that anyone willing can use.

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Does mental toughness increase the mental health?

Published on December 18, 2023 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress and Tennis. 0 Comments Tags: salute mentale, tenacia..

Mental toughness, defined as the ability to persist, resist, and face challenges or difficulties with determination and resilience, is closely linked to mental health. Its relationship with mental health can be viewed from various perspectives:

Resilience - Mental toughness is often considered a key component of mental resilience. It helps individuals overcome obstacles, recover from stressful or traumatic situations, and positively adapt to adversities. Strong mental toughness can contribute to reducing the risk of developing mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, or stress, and aid in recovery from mental health issues.
Adaptation - Individuals with strong mental toughness often demonstrate greater adaptability. This can facilitate better stress management, enabling them to tackle emotional challenges and difficult situations in a more constructive manner.
Self-esteem and confidence - Mental toughness can positively influence self-esteem and self-confidence. Being able to overcome obstacles or difficulties can strengthen belief in one’s abilities, thereby contributing to a sense of well-being and mental balance.
Dealing with difficult situations - Individuals with good mental toughness often have greater capacity to cope with stressful or traumatic situations without compromising their mental well-being. They can remain resilient, maintain a positive outlook, and adopt effective coping strategies.

However, it’s important to note that mental toughness alone does not guarantee mental health, and mental health is influenced by multiple factors, including but not limited to genetics, environment, life experiences, and social support. Strong mental toughness can certainly contribute to better mental health, but caring for and attending to one’s psychological well-being requires a holistic and multidimensional approach.

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Measuring well-being in sport performance

Published on December 18, 2023 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: benessere.

Giles S, Fletcher D, Arnold R, Ashfield A, Harrison J. Measuring Well-Being in Sport Performers: Where are We Now and How do we Progress? Sports Med. 2020 Jul;50(7):1255-1270.

Despite the lack of a universally agreed definition of wellbeing, it is principally understood to encompass a combination of both hedonic and eudaimonic components, which are crucial to thriving across multiple life domains.

The hedonic perspective is typically defined in terms of happiness which is achieved through the striving for rewarding and pleasurable experiences that reinforce positive feelings and satisfaction. The eudaimonic perspective, as proposed by Aristotle (350 BC), focuses more broadly on the personal qualities and ways of life that promote living well. A central tenet to this perspective is the enactment of personal qualities that enable a person to live up to one’s personal potential in a manner that is consistent with their daimon (or ‘true self’).

Grounded in eudaimonic principles, scholars have defined a variety of components (e.g. autonomy, personal growth, and purpose in life) that are used to study psychological well-being and states of flourishing.

Debate remains, however, regarding the extent to which particular components correspond to eudaimonia as articulated in the original philosophical works, as well as the extent to which these are empirically distinguishable from hedonic conceptions of wellbeing. While a comprehensive review of the conceptual and theoretical discussion on this topic is beyond the scope of this paper, it is worth noting that this issue has provided a continual source of debate in the works of contemporary philosophers, and eminent humanistic, clinical, and developmental psychologists. The study of hedonic well-being is often broadly equated with Diener’s model of subjective well-being (SWB). With regards to measurement, there is general agreement that SWB comprises an affective component (i.e. the presence of positive emotions and the absence of negative emotions) and a cognitive component (i.e. evaluations of life satisfaction).

Turning to eudaimonic well-being, numerous conceptual models of measurement have been proposed that combine various components of psychological and social functioning and extend the notion of well-being beyond ‘feeling good’ as emphasised in the hedonic perspective.

To illustrate the conceptual variance that existsdepicts how various domains and components of well-being have been combined in prominent approaches to measurement. While there remains a lack of consensus regarding the conceptual structure of eudaimonic well-being, most scholars accept that measures of eudaimonic well-being are important because they provide an insight into the subjective experiences of individuals beyond that captured through assessments of life satisfaction and affect.

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How to combine play intensity with competitive intelligence

Published on December 14, 2023 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: intelligenza, intensità, tattica.

To combine the intensity of play in team sports with competitive intelligence, it is necessary to develop a series of both physical and mental elements. Here are some important aspects to consider:

Physical Preparation - Adequate physical preparation is fundamental to sustain a high level of intensity in the game. This includes endurance, strength, speed, and flexibility. A high level of physical fitness enables players to maintain intensity throughout the duration of the match.
Game Tactics - Tactical intelligence is crucial. Players need to understand team tactics, have the ability to adapt during the game, and make quick and intelligent decisions on the field.
Game Reading - Excellent players have the ability to quickly read the situation on the field, anticipate opponents’ moves, and make intelligent decisions based on the current game situation.
Mindset and Concentration - Maintaining concentration throughout the entire game is essential. Competitive intelligence also involves the ability to handle pressure, stay focused, and positively respond to challenges and mistakes.
Specific Training - Training sessions should focus on simulating high-intensity game situations, encouraging players to make quick and intelligent decisions under pressure.
Communication and Cooperation - Competitive intelligence also manifests in the ability to effectively communicate with teammates, coordinate actions, and work together to achieve common goals.
Winning Mindset and Resilience - Athletes with high competitive intelligence demonstrate a winning mindset, resilience, and the ability to face defeats by learning from mistakes and continuously improving.
Energy Management - Knowing when to increase or reduce energy during the game is crucial. Intelligent players from a competitive standpoint know how to manage their energies effectively throughout the entire match.
Adaptability and Flexibility - Players with developed competitive intelligence can quickly adapt to changes in game conditions, opponent strategies, or tactical variations within their team. They can alter their playing style or position on the field to meet the demands of the situation.
Post-Match Analysis and Continuous Learning - Athletes with competitive intelligence constantly seek improvement. After each match, they analyze their performances, identify strengths and weaknesses, and consistently work on those aspects to progress over time.

In summary, the combination of adequate physical preparation, a tactical understanding of the game, high game reading ability, strong mindset, and concentration are all fundamental elements to blend game intensity with effective competitive intelligence.

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The racism of Wesley Sneijder

Published on December 14, 2023 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: donne, razzismo.

But why don’t they shut up. They don’t have to evolve mentally but at least follow the evolution of the sport and the rules of life.

“If I think back to me in a locker room, I could never think of being coached by a woman.” Former Inter midfielder Wesley Sneijder, spoke to “Veronica Offside” about the issue of integrating female figures into men’s soccer, which is much discussed in the Netherlands and England. “I find it difficult to make a judgment. I think back to how I was as a player, how I was in the locker room. Maybe things have changed now, but I haven’t. I imagine all the football humor that would ensue…. I have nothing against women, but we’re going a bit overboard here.”

A missed opportunity and above all a display of low intelligence, on all sides.

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Let’s read

Published on December 10, 2023 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: leggere.

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They don’t hire women as head coaches

Published on December 9, 2023 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: donne.

“The failure to hire women as head coaches of men’s programs, all while consistently hiring men to lead women’s teams, further solidifies the underrepresentation of women in sports leadership.”

Billie Jean King

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2023 Census about Italy: the sleepwalking

Published on December 7, 2023 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: censis.

Some economic and social processes, largely predictable in their effects, seem to have been removed from the country’s collective agenda, or at least underestimated. Although their impact will be disruptive to the system’s resilience, the ignorance in the face of ominous signs translates into a culpable indecisiveness. Italian society appears to be afflicted by a widespread state of sleepwalking, plunged into a deep slumber of rational calculation necessary to tackle long-term structural dynamics with potentially disastrous effects.

By 2050, in less than thirty years, Italy will have lost a total of 4.5 million residents (as if the two largest Italian cities, Rome and Milan together, disappeared). This figure will result from a decrease of 9.1 million people under the age of 65 (including a decline of 3.7 million under 35) and an increase of 4.6 million people aged 65 and above (with an additional 1.6 million aged 85 and above) (table 1).

Currently, women of childbearing age (conventionally, the female population aged 15-49) number 11.6 million; by 2050, they will decrease by more than 2 million, creating an insurmountable objective constraint for any attempt to reverse the decline in birth rates in the short term.

Nearly 8 million fewer individuals of working age are estimated for 2050: a scarcity of laborers that will inevitably impact the cost structure of the production system and the capacity to generate value in the industrial and service sectors.

Even the sustainability of the welfare system raises concerns: by 2050, public healthcare spending would amount to 177 billion euros, compared to today’s 131 billion.

In the face of these ominous signs, public debate stagnates, and the calmness of some cyclical indicators is insufficient to set sail for open waters. Sleepwalking as a hallmark of collective reactions to these signs is not solely attributable to the ruling classes but is a phenomenon widespread in the “silent majority” of Italians:

They have become more fragile due to identity and political disarmament, to the extent that 56.0% (61.4% among the young) feel they have little importance in society. They are wounded by a profound sense of powerlessness, with 60.8% (65.3% among the young) experiencing significant insecurity due to various unexpected risks. They are disillusioned by the historical cycle of globalization, with 69.3% believing that it has brought more harm than benefits to Italy. They are resigned to a national downsizing destiny, with 80.1% convinced that Italy has emerged from past emergencies in decline (rising to 84.1% among the young).

The Youth

The existential gap between today’s youth and preceding generations seems immense. The social elevator that historically ensured a better life transition between generations has stalled. They have witnessed the shattering of the progress myth as an unstoppable growth of the economy and consumption, replaced now by the awareness of the need for lifestyles more respectful of the environment. Their social positioning appears dictated by their more or less close and functional relationship with digital devices and platforms.

Today, in our country, those aged 18-34 are just over 10 million, accounting for 17.5% of the population; in 2003, they exceeded 13 million, representing 23.0% of the total. In twenty years, we have lost almost 3 million young individuals. The forecasts for the future are strongly negative: by 2050, those aged 18-34 will be just over 8 million, barely 15.2% of the total population.

The youth are few, express a slight demographic weight, and thus inevitably have little influence.

60.6% of young people aged 18 to 34 declare that if they could, they would leave Italy. From 2012 to 2021, 336,592 young people aged 25-34 moved abroad. 1.7 million young people aged 15 to 29 (19.8% of the total) neither work nor study, ranking second only to Romania.

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Interest in the football matches does not exceed 30 minutes

Published on December 6, 2023 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments

The football matches don’t last 90 minutes anymore, nor even 45. The highlight generation has taken control of the remote and is replacing it with their smartphones. The fact is that people are connecting for increasingly shorter periods; the entire event remains the domain of old nostalgics.

The audience’s attention for football lasts for 35 minutes. This is the time the average Italian fan dedicates to Serie A matches. The issue is global.

The essence of this data is that a match is no longer a sporting event to be followed to understand its unfolding, to know the teams’ play and their countermeasures against opponents. The match is perceived as an event with exciting moments that should be watched to fuel this mood but are immersed in a perceived state of boredom and lack of motivation to keep attention for the full 90 minutes.

This condition explains much of the current mindset of an important segment of young adults for whom sporting spectacles are only worth watching if they are thrilling; otherwise, they shift focus to other events. These data indicate that activities worth engaging in are those considered thrilling, and interest is no longer directed toward the sporting performance but rather towards the aspects that trigger these emotions.

The match thus becomes a means to satisfy the need for experiencing emotions and loses its intrinsic value of a challenge between two ways of playing, where the referee, audience, and the match’s value for the two teams are no longer considered but become accessories that can enhance the emotional moments of a match.

These effects caused by the use of portable devices such as smartwatches will certainly not change the strategies of companies selling matches. On the contrary, these companies will probably be proud to have engaged a greater number of young adults who would have never watched an entire match but can now do so through new platforms and thus subscribe, boosting the business of companies in this sector.

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