Archive for the 'Giovani' Category

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

Published on July 8, 2025 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: .

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.

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What are sports?

Published on July 8, 2025 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: .

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”

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Ed Whitlock – Biography and running philosophy

Published on July 2, 2025 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: .

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.

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Heat and performance: what coaches and athletes need to know

Published on July 1, 2025 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: , .

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.

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Optimism about the spread of sports in Italy is hardly justified

Published on June 30, 2025 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments

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.”

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

Published on June 30, 2025 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: .

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.

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Few teachers and coaches are truly trained to teach critical thinking

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

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 Schools - A 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.

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16th Sport Psychology World Congress

Published on June 25, 2025 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments Tags: .

This Blog Supports

International Society of Sport Psychology 16th World Congress

From December 8 to 12, 2025, the 16th ISSP World Congress will take place,

organized by the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) and sponsored by the Shine Tak Foundation.

Theme: “60 Years of ISSP: The Global Past, Present, and Future of Science, Practice, and Performance in Sport Psychology.”

Join us for this opportunity to exchange knowledge, innovations, and experiences that will shape the future of Sport Psychology worldwide!

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The role of empathy for the coaches

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

The role of empathy on the part of the coach is central to building an effective and constructive relationship with athletes. However, it is important to clarify that being empathetic does not mean indulging or pleasing, but rather deeply understanding the athlete’s point of view, their emotional states, difficulties, motivations, and even their resistance. Empathy is the ability to “put yourself in someone else’s shoes,” while still maintaining a leadership role.

What empathy means for the coach:

  • Active listening: An empathetic coach knows how to listen without judgment. They understand why an athlete resists a drill or shows a lack of motivation, going beyond appearances.

  • Recognizing needs and emotions: Without giving in to complaints or excuses, the empathetic coach recognizes when a refusal stems from mental fatigue, lack of confidence, insecurity, or fear of failure.

  • Personalizing instruction: Being able to read the athlete allows the coach to adapt how an exercise is introduced, how feedback is given, or how motivation is sparked. The goal is to make the athlete understand that even if the training is difficult or unpleasant, it is essential for reaching their own goals.

  • Supporting without removing responsibility: An empathetic coach does not take responsibility away from the athlete but helps them understand the value of doing even what they don’t like. Empathy builds a bridge between present discomfort and future results, using the athlete’s own goals as motivation.

  • Building trust: An athlete who feels understood is more likely to trust their coach, even when demands are tough. Trust is born from that “I understand you, but I know what you need.”

Empathy in a coach is a key relational skill that allows them to motivate without manipulating, lead without imposing, and correct without discouraging. It’s not about avoiding discomfort or making everything enjoyable, but about making even the unpleasant meaningful, showing athletes the connection between what they do today and who they want to become tomorrow.

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Coaching is much more than just a well-organized series of exercises

Published on June 23, 2025 in Allenatori, Calcio, Corsa, Generale, Giovani, Mental coaching, Olimpiadi, Stress, Tennis and Tiro a volo. 0 Comments

The culture of work should allow the coach to go beyond conventional actions, avoiding being trapped in habitual mindsets that often lead to passively accepting training principles and their applications. Instead, one must question their own beliefs and remain open-minded to new solutions.

Coaching is not just about teaching a technique or tactic, and for the player, it’s not just about learning—even if what must be learned is complex and its execution requires a high level of mastery. Coaching and training mean using one’s cognitive, emotional, and motor intelligence to teach and learn how to understand and execute what needs to be done in order to achieve performance levels that aim to optimize match performance.

To plan a training program focused on improving athletic performance, it’s essential that the player and coach—and the team as a whole—share the objectives to be achieved through the intended training.

As already explained, in sports, performance refers to the motor behavior produced in response to a task that can be measured, whereas skill refers to the competence required to deliver a performance at a given level.
To improve performance, training must aim to develop within the team the idea of “thinking while moving,” which means always having a guiding idea behind each game action.
This approach can be applied in a basic way for beginners, or in a technically more refined and targeted manner as experience grows.

There is no game action without thought, so learning or training means moving with a mental representation of what one intends to do.

(Source: Alberto Cei, Palla al centro, Bologna: Il Mulino)

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