Monthly Archive for January, 2025

How well are adolescents prepared to compete?

Published on January 28, 2025 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: .

Often, our adolescent athletes struggle to excel at the international level. This is especially evident in individual sports with a predominantly tactical emphasis (such as tennis and table tennis) and in precision sports (like shooting, archery, and golf). From my perspective, this limitation is at least partly due to insufficient attention being given to how competitions should be approached and experienced. Our best young athletes typically do not show technical deficiencies that prevent them from being competitive, but in my view, they lack the skills to manage a competition effectively, adapt to their opponents, and prepare themselves to enter a competition in a state of optimal readiness.

Technique and tactics are fundamental—they represent the grammar of sports and must be mastered to the highest level. That said, competition is a public confrontation with other athletes of similar ability, where one must assert their technical and tactical superiority and adapt to their opponent’s strategy. It is not an aesthetic performance but a demonstration of pre-tactical supremacy. Competitive sports demand the ability to dominate opponents in opposition-based sports or to achieve mastery over oneself and one’s actions in precision sports.

The question I ask is this: how is this capability trained across these different sports? Are athletes aware that the limitations they exhibit during competition stem from how they interpret what they perceive and the subsequent decision-making process—which should ideally result in the best possible course of action?

Once these two questions have been addressed, the next one is: how can these qualities be trained?

The answers are up to you.

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Sports to grow up as a person

Published on January 26, 2025 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: .

Sport is not just about competition or results: it’s a living part of the community, a tool to unite, inspire, and shape better people. Sports organizations have the power and the responsibility to go beyond technical training or winning on the field; they are guardians of fundamental cultural values that can change lives.

Sport teaches respect because it forces us to recognize others, whether as teammates or opponents, and to value every effort as worthy of acknowledgment. It fosters inclusion, breaking down social, cultural, and physical barriers, welcoming anyone who wants to participate. Sport reveals that we share more in our passions and ambitions than we differ.

Sport also conveys discipline and resilience. Through hard work and effort, it builds character and prepares individuals to overcome challenges not only on the field but in everyday life. It educates in collaboration: no victory is entirely individual; every success is the result of a team that shares common goals and values.

For a sports organization, promoting these principles means leaving a legacy that goes far beyond the boundaries of the field. It’s about making sport a school of life, a point of reference for young people and the community, a space where individuals grow both personally and as citizens. Helping someone believe in themselves, discover their potential, and feel part of something greater: that’s true success.

By promoting sport as a cultural value, organizations become places where a better future is built for everyone—a future grounded in respect, fairness, and shared passion.

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Data about sport and autism

Published on January 24, 2025 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: .

Grosprêtre, S., Ruffino, C., Derguy, C., & Gueugneau, N. (2024). Sport and Autism: What Do We Know so Far? A Review. Sports Medicine-Open, 10(1), 107.

Autism is often associated with anxiety, a condition that can stem from feelings of social isolation. This situation can, in turn, increase the risk of depression in some cases. However, sports and physical activity provide significant support in addressing these challenges, as their positive effects in reducing symptoms of depression are well-documented.

To achieve tangible benefits from physical activity, it is important to follow a program for an adequate period. Improvements usually become noticeable after 16 weeks of consistent exercise, while shorter programs, such as those lasting 8 weeks, tend to have a limited impact.

Psychological and Physical Benefits of Sports

Sports not only enhance physical well-being but also positively affect several psychological aspects. For instance, short-term training programs can boost self-esteem. Similarly, self-efficacy—the confidence in one’s own abilities—can improve through activities that allow individuals to regulate the intensity of their exercises autonomously.

Parents of autistic children often report improvements in their children’s mood, quality of life, and autism-related behaviors after participating in sports programs. Physically, autistic individuals show significant progress in strength and overall fitness, with noticeable improvements in cardiovascular endurance and upper and lower limb strength. Balance training can also help mitigate motor challenges related to stability, enhancing the ability to control body movements.

Cognitive Improvements and Physical Adaptations

Even simple and less structured exercises can offer cognitive benefits. For example, circuit exercise programs have demonstrated improvements in reaction times and cognitive flexibility, areas that can be particularly challenging for autistic individuals. Physically, benefits such as a reduction in fat mass have been observed through combined aerobic-neuromuscular or coordination-strength training programs.

Sports like basketball, football, and handball are particularly effective at developing perceptual-motor skills due to the level of uncertainty and adaptability required during gameplay. These “open-skill” sports promote quick responses and flexibility in movement, improving motor and cognitive skills.

Socialization and Interaction Through Physical Activity

Sports can also have a positive impact on socialization, an area often critical for autistic individuals. Participating in sports provides opportunities for interaction with other participants and instructors, increasing social stimulation. This can lead to improvements in communication and social functioning. Moreover, sports are experienced as enjoyable activities that offer a sense of accomplishment and enhance self-confidence, especially in group settings.

From a physiological perspective, physical exercise can stimulate the production of oxytocin, a hormone associated with social cognition and relational behaviors. However, the intensity of the activity should be carefully considered: too light an exercise may not yield significant benefits, while overly intense activity can cause discomfort and discourage participation.

Conclusion

According to research, physical activity can be an effective and accessible tool for managing autism. It offers social, psychological, and physical advantages and, with the right approach, can become a key element in improving the quality of life for autistic individuals and their families.

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Mindfulness and sport

Published on January 21, 2025 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: .

It is true that, although mindfulness is gaining popularity in sports, only a minority of athletes practice it regularly or in a structured way. However, the number is growing due to increasing awareness of its benefits for athletic performance and mental well-being.

Mindfulness, the practice of focusing attention on the present moment in a nonjudgmental way, has been associated with significant improvements in areas such as stress management, concentration, recovery, and mental resilience. High-level athletes like Novak Djokovic, Michael Jordan, and some Olympians have openly discussed it, contributing to its spread.

However, many athletes have not yet incorporated these practices into their training, often because:

  1. They are not aware of its benefits.
  2. They lack adequate resources to learn the technique.
  3. They prefer to focus on more traditional approaches to improving performance, such as physical or technical training.

With the growing interest in mental health in sports, it is likely that the use of mindfulness among athletes will continue to increase.

Mindfulness is used across a wide range of sports, as its benefits apply to situations requiring concentration, stress management, and mental resilience. Here are some examples of sports where it is adopted:

1. Individual Sports

  • Tennis: To improve focus, emotional control, and handling pressure in crucial moments. Novak Djokovic is a well-known practitioner.
  • Golf: Mindfulness helps golfers manage anxiety and stay focused between shots, given the long pauses in the game.
  • Martial Arts and Combat Sports: It helps practitioners of disciplines such as judo, karate, boxing, or MMA improve body awareness and emotional management during high-stress situations.
  • Running and Track & Field: In sports like marathons or sprinting, it is used to stay focused and overcome moments of mental fatigue.
  • Skiing and Snowboarding: Paying attention to the present moment helps athletes navigate ever-changing environments, such as slopes or unpredictable weather.

2. Team Sports

  • Soccer: Some professional teams use mindfulness to increase focus on the field and improve group cohesion.
  • Basketball: Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls of the ’90s are an iconic example, thanks to Phil Jackson, a strong advocate of mindfulness.
  • Rugby: Used to stay concentrated during critical moments in matches, such as penalty kicks or high-pressure situations.
  • Volleyball: To stay focused during decisive moments, such as tie-breaks.

3. Extreme Sports

  • Mountaineering and Climbing: Mindfulness helps maintain calm in dangerous situations and improves emotional control.
  • Surfing: To enter a “flow” state that combines awareness and optimal physical performance, essential for riding waves.

4. Motorsports

  • Formula 1 and MotoGP: Mindfulness is useful for managing focus during high-speed races, where concentration is crucial for making quick and precise decisions.

5. Precision Sports

  • Archery, Shooting, and Skeet Shooting: Mindfulness helps regulate breathing and mental calm, essential for executing precise movements.
  • Billiards and Bowling: Where movement control and handling nervousness are critical.

6. Water Sports

  • Swimming: Used to remain focused during races and overcome moments of mental fatigue.
  • Rowing: Helps synchronize mind and body in sports requiring constant and intense rhythms.

Mindfulness is not tied to a single type of sport but adapts to contexts where mental clarity, concentration, and emotional regulation are required, making it valuable for both professional and amateur athletes.

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The reasons for the athletes, reflecting every day on what they have learned

Published on January 20, 2025 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments

For an athlete, reflecting every day on what they have learned, what they enjoyed, and what they expect for the next day is an invaluable, almost essential practice for their personal and professional growth. This process fosters a continuous cycle of awareness and improvement, both mentally and physically.

First, reflecting on what they have learned helps an athlete consolidate the lessons of the day. Whether it’s mastering a new technique, identifying a mistake to avoid, or gaining a deeper understanding of their body, this moment of introspection turns experiences into knowledge. Even a simple realization like “today I understood the importance of warming up” becomes a building block for more mindful performance.

Thinking about what they enjoyed is equally important. This aspect cultivates gratitude and enjoyment, reinforcing motivation. Recalling a positive moment—whether it’s executing an exercise flawlessly, receiving support from a teammate, or feeling great after a workout—fuels a sense of accomplishment. The positivity that emerges becomes emotional energy to tackle new challenges with enthusiasm.

Finally, envisioning the next day isn’t just an organizational exercise; it’s also a strategy to enhance effectiveness and reduce anxiety. Imagining the training sessions and setting objectives in advance creates a state of readiness and focus. This type of visualization fosters a proactive mindset, helping to avoid the tendency to approach the day reactively or aimlessly.

When done consistently, this daily practice turns an athlete’s routine into a virtuous cycle of growth. Each day becomes an opportunity not only to improve physically but also to nurture resilience, self-awareness, and passion for their sport. In short, daily reflection makes the athlete better prepared, more motivated, and more serene in pursuing their goals.

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Integrated Basket

Published on January 19, 2025 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Integrated Basketball with our Athletes in Collaboration with Virtus Roma 1960. A project expanding the educational offerings of the Integrated Football Academy to include basketball. This initiative is conducted together with Virtus Roma at the Pio XI Sports Center in Rome.

Child neuropsychiatrist Roberto Rossi noted, “We’ve observed sometimes unimaginable progress in linguistic and communicative abilities, as well as in motor and practical skills. This is essential—they need a space where they can have fun. Here, it’s completely different; they experience satisfaction, especially when they are with other young people participating in integrated activities with them.”

Patrizia Minocchi, president of the Academy, explained that the aim of the project is to enable these young people to play a team sport, which is still perceived as a challenge due to the difficulties they often face. Saverio Zoffoli, Virtus manager, added that Virtus is not only proud to be part of this program but that integration with their young athletes is a core aspect of the project. He emphasized that it benefits all participants, giving Virtus athletes the opportunity to understand the reality of disability and to learn how these young people confront their challenges.

Finally, Maresa Bavota, head of family and school relations, highlighted another crucial aspect: families often lack sports programs that can assist them. She explained that the Academy was born out of this need, “the most tangible act that sport can offer free of charge to these young people.”

The father of one of the participants emphasized the emotional dimension, noting that this fieldwork builds the foundation for future learning: “The kids have been nurtured, introduced with care and competence to activities they previously couldn’t do.”

These testimonies were featured thanks to the RAI program “O anche no,” an infotainment talk show dedicated to inclusion and solidarity. The program shares stories of its protagonists, highlighting their expectations, challenges, and accomplishments. To watch, visit the broadcast at the 20th minute on the website: RAI Play – O anche no.

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There are no failures, only feedback

Published on January 17, 2025 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: .

The phrase “there are no failures, only feedback” reflects a positive and constructive perspective on human experiences, particularly in contexts of learning, personal development, and professional growth. Here’s a detailed explanation of this philosophy:

1. Learning from Outcomes

What seems like a failure is merely an outcome that doesn’t meet our expectations. Instead of viewing it as an insurmountable obstacle, it can be seen as an opportunity to learn what didn’t work. This allows us to improve and try again with greater awareness.

2. Growth through Feedback

Every mistake carries valuable information:

  • What went wrong?
  • How can we change our approach?
  • What resources or skills do we need to achieve our goal?
    Analyzing these questions transforms “failure” into a guide for improvement.

3. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome

Adopting a feedback mindset encourages us to focus on the process rather than solely on the final result. Even if we don’t achieve the goal immediately, the journey itself can be a source of learning and transformation.

4. Resilience and a Growth Mindset

The concept of a growth mindset, developed by psychologist Carol Dweck, highlights how success depends on the ability to adapt, learn from mistakes, and keep progressing. Every setback is not an end but a stepping stone toward future achievements.

5. Overcoming the Fear of Failure

Viewing mistakes as feedback frees us from the fear of failing. It allows us to take risks, explore new possibilities, and face challenges that could lead to significant accomplishments, without being paralyzed by the idea of making errors.

In summary, there are no true failures as long as we remain willing to learn and adapt. Every experience, even the difficult ones, provides useful feedback to grow, improve, and achieve our goals.

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Which the reason to say “I don’t feel the movement to day”

Published on January 16, 2025 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments

When an athlete says, “I don’t feel the movement today,” they are referring to a disconnection between their body and their ability to clearly and effectively perceive the execution of technical gestures, which are essential for performance. This phenomenon is closely linked to anxiety or psychological pressure, which interferes with natural fluidity and bodily sensitivity.

Why Does It Happen?

Anxiety and the Nervous System
Anxiety triggers an activation of the autonomic nervous system, particularly the sympathetic branch, which is associated with a “fight or flight” response. This state can overload the mind with self-critical thoughts or fears of failure, distracting the athlete from the sensation of connection with their body.

Over-Scrutiny and Forced Awareness
Under stress, the athlete may become overly self-conscious and start to “overthink” the movement, disrupting the automation and coordination that typically govern well-practiced athletic gestures. This excessive control can lead to rigid movements and the sensation of not “feeling” the body.

Sensory Deactivation
When an athlete is blocked by anxiety, their proprioceptive abilities—the body’s capacity to “sense itself” in space and during movement—can become impaired. A lack of trust in their own perceptions makes it harder to adapt quickly and flow with the requirements of the task.

Differences Between Technique and Psychological Block

Technique
This is a tangible aspect that can be improved with specific training and measurable progress. If the problem were technical, the athlete could simply improve by following clear instructions and repetitive practice.

Psychological Block
Here, the issue is not what to do, but how to feel free to do it. The technique is present, but anxiety “freezes” the natural use of technical skills. In these cases, the problem lies in perceiving the movement as familiar and fluid.

Examples

Tennis
A tennis player might say, “I don’t feel the movement,” if their strokes feel forced or overly constrained by rigid thinking, often stemming from fear of making mistakes. This results in hitting the ball without the usual fluidity, affecting the outcome.

Shooting Sports
A shooter who “doesn’t feel the movement” loses the sense of timing and spatial awareness needed to execute the shot, perhaps perceiving the gun as an external object, disconnected from their natural rhythm.

How to Address It

  • Relaxation Techniques
    These help reduce anxious arousal and restore greater naturalness in movements.
  • Mental Training
    Visualization of the gesture and the use of pre-performance routines help shift attention from overthinking to bodily sensations.
  • Mindfulness and Proprioception
    Practices that enhance awareness of the present moment and reconnect the body and mind.

In essence, “not feeling the movement” is often a warning sign of an altered emotional state rather than a true technical deficiency. Targeted anxiety management allows the athlete to rediscover their sensations and full potential.

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The sport job for the young adult with intellectual disability

Published on January 15, 2025 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: .

The Integrated Soccer Academy is implementing a project, funded by the “8 X Mille” Valdese Church grant, in partnership with Virtus Roma 1960 and Petriana Calcio, taking place during the 2024-25 sports season.

This project aims to develop professional skills in young adults, over 18, with autism within the sports field, allowing them to pursue a career in sports as a Multidisciplinary Assistant, a qualification established by the Italian Federation of Paralympic Sports for Intellectual and Relational Disabilities (FISDIR).

Six young people who already play soccer with the Integrated Soccer Academy were selected after thorough interviews with them and their families to present the program, understand their motivations, and make a decision.

They participated in a 36-hour course, including 16 hours of online theoretical training with a final exam and 20 hours of internship with support from an Integrated Soccer Academy tutor during the “Soccer & Basketball Together” program. Subsequently, they will receive a 5-month contract to carry out their work with a regular technical employment contract registered in the RAS (Sports and Health Register). Their activities will take place at the Integrated Soccer Academy, Petriana Calcio, and Virtus Roma 1960.

This project represents a training-to-employment pathway for young people with intellectual disabilities. Employment is a cornerstone of every individual’s life, enabling them to be part of a social context, develop, and have their specific skills recognized. For young adults (over 18) with intellectual disabilities, work also enables them to move toward a more autonomous and independent life from their families. For parents and siblings, it represents a positive response to their concerns about social isolation and total dependency, which could negatively affect the health and well-being of these young individuals.

The enthusiasm and commitment shown by these young people during their training activities demonstrate the value they assign to this project. This is even more significant considering that, currently in Italy, there is only one person with intellectual disabilities working in this role of multidisciplinary sports assistant established by FISDIR.

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Sport and mental health

Published on January 9, 2025 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: , .

Henriksen, K., Huang, Z., Bartley, J., Kenttä, G., Purcell, R., Wagstaff, C. R. D., … Schinke, R. (2024). The role of high-performance sport environments in mental health: an international society of sport psychology consensus statement. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 1–23.

This consensus statement is the product of the Third International Society of Sport Psychology Think Tank on Mental Health. The purposes of the Think Tank were (1) to engage renowned international expert researchers and practitioners in a discussion about the role of high-performance sport environments in nourishing or malnourishing the mental health of athletes, coaches and staff; and (2) to develop recommendations for sport organisations, mental health researchers, and practitioners to more fully recognise the role of the sport environment in their work.

Although most of the research on mental health in sport has focused on the individual, mental health is the result of intricate and dynamic relationships between people and their environments, and a range of stakeholder individuals and organisations play a key role in supporting wellbeing in high-performance sport. We conceptually divide the environment into three levels (the sport team, sport organisation and sport system) and two dimensions (the social and the physical environment).

Based on the portraits of these environments, we conclude by providing recommendations that will help sport teams, organisations, and systems to create nourishing high-performance sport environments and effective mental health service provision environments, whilst helping researchers expand their focus from the individual athlete or coach to the sport environment.

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