Archive for the 'Tiro a volo' Category

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Key points of reflection

Key points of reflection for athletes and coaches:

  1. Focus on key factors for optimal performance – What are they?
  2. Managing emotions related to performance – What are your emotions before and during the competition?
  3. Handling pre-competition tension – What do you do before the event leading up to the start?
  4. Having a well-established pre-competition routine – What is your routine?
  5. Maintaining confidence in the face of mistakes and unexpected events – How do you react to errors?
  6. Setting performance and outcome goals – What are they, and who do you discuss them with?
  7. Boosting motivation by reflecting on past competitions or training – Believe in the work you’ve done.
  8. Mentally rehearsing races or technical aspects of performance – Enhance awareness and concentration.
  9. Analyzing past performances and their mental aspects – Learn from past experiences.
  10. Using physical training to build confidence – Physical fitness and readiness are essential for confidence.

How to come with children obesity and overweight

An article on Repubblica.it highlights that the latest data from the Italian National Institute of Health show that 19% of Italian children aged 8-9 are overweight. Additionally, 9.8% suffer from obesity, while 2.6% are affected by severe obesity. These figures depict a problem that remains widespread, with significant consequences for children’s health and social lives, both during their development and into adulthood. This issue often arises from parents’ difficulty in recognizing early signs of excessive weight gain in their children.

To address this issue effectively, it is essential to adopt a sensitive and constructive approach that involves pediatricians, teachers, and parents. Some strategies include:

Empathetic and Non-Judgmental Communication

  • Pediatricians and teachers should use reassuring language, avoiding any blame toward parents.
  • It is helpful to start with an objective observation (“We have noticed that…”) rather than a judgment.

Building a Relationship of Trust

  • Organizing regular meetings between parents, teachers, and pediatricians to discuss potential concerns in a supportive environment.
  • Ensuring that parents understand that the shared goal is the child’s well-being.

Providing Clear and Accessible Information

  • Explaining in simple terms the signs of potential health or developmental issues.
  • Offering resources (brochures, informative sessions, specialist support) to help parents gain a deeper understanding.

Suggesting Solutions and Supportive Pathways

  • Recommending practical steps, such as specialist consultations or educational strategies, without imposing them.
  • Highlighting the child’s progress and strengths to maintain a positive attitude.

Involvement of Support Figures

  • Psychologists, educators, and social workers can help facilitate dialogue between parents and professionals.
  • Creating support groups for parents in similar situations can reduce feelings of isolation and concern.

The primary goal is to ensure that parents do not feel attacked, but rather guided in recognizing potential issues and addressing them constructively for the child’s well-being.

eBook: The growth mindset diaries for teens

THE GROWTH MINDSET DIARIES FOR TEENS:

A Guide for Teens (Ages 12-18) to Overcome Challenges & Grow with Journaling Companion Book Kindle Edition, 2025

By Giani Boldeanu

https://amzn.eu/d/3PftjB0

What if the only thing standing between you and success was the way you think?

Do you ever feel stuck? Afraid of failure? Worried you’re just not good enough? You’re not alone. But here’s the truth: Your abilities aren’t fixed—they can grow, just like a muscle, just like a skill.

In The Growth Mindset Diaries for Teens, you’ll find 20 powerful, real-life stories about young people just like you—students, athletes, artists, and dreamers—who faced challenges, self-doubt, and failure… and came out stronger. Each story is packed with inspiring lessons, practical exercises, and game-changing strategies to help you:

Turn setbacks into stepping stones – Learn how to bounce back from failure with confidence.

Silence self-doubt and unleash your potential – Replace “I can’t” with “I’m not there… yet.”

Master the science of resilience – Discover how the most successful people think, learn, and grow.

Develop confidence that lasts a lifetime – Stop worrying about what others think and start believing in yourself.

Apply what you learn – Reflection prompts and action steps help you make real changes in your life.

And the best part? This book comes with a companion journal to help you track your progress, reflect on your journey, and apply the lessons in a way that sticks.

Who is this book for?

This book is perfect for teens (ages 12-18) who want to:

  • Build confidence and self-belief
  • Improve in school, sports, or creative passions
  • Overcome fear of failure and rejection
  • Stop comparing themselves to others
  • Develop a mindset for long-term success

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not smart enough, not talented enough, or not “born” for success—this book is here to prove you wrong. Greatness isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build.

Real Madrid mindest

Real Madrid returned to playing as it is able to do and in the moment that matters in the knockout phase in the Champions League, beating Manchester City at home 3 to 2. It is not easy to explain how these moments happen, coming from a period that was certainly not good for Ancelotti and his team, but Real Madrid is able to regain its fantastic mindset when the situation becomes difficult, if not almost desperate. To find an explanation you can go back to what the coach and players said last year after winning yet another Champions League at the expense of Borussia Dortmund.

You never get accustomed to this. It was very difficult, much more so than we thought it would be. First half, we had to suffer; second half, we lost the ball less, played better – but those are all trifling details now. We won. The dream continues!”

– Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti

“I don’t know what to say, just tremendous happiness. We knew it would be a tough game, and the first half they were very superior but we got out alive. But we knew our moment would come, and it did, and we have the 15th (Champions League title for Real Madrid).”

– Dani Carvajal, who scored Real Madrid’s first goal

“I have always dreamed of playing in these games.You go through life and there are so many people who say you cannot do things. I was alright until I’ve seen my mum and dad’s face there. My little brother is there and I’m trying to be a role model for him. I cannot put it into words. The best night of my life.”

– Real Madrid’s England international midfielder Jude Bellingham

 

Visualization exercises in golf and tennis after an error

Visualization exercises in golf and tennis after an error are essential for maintaining focus, regaining confidence, and improving performance on the next shot. These exercises need to be specific rather than generic visualizations. While the approach is similar in both sports, there are key differences that a sports psychologist must understand in order to guide the player effectively.

Here are some typical exercises:

1. Positive Review of the Missed Shot

Common part: Close your eyes and mentally replay the missed shot, but this time, correct it. This helps replace the error with a positive image.

  • Golf: Imagine the correct trajectory of the ball and the feeling of a well-executed shot.
  • Tennis: Visualize your body positioning, the racquet movement, and the ball landing exactly where you intended.

2. Breathing and Mental Reset

Common part: Take a deep breath and imagine exhaling away the mistake and any tension.

  • Golf: Visualize a mental reset, as if pressing a button to erase the missed shot.
  • Tennis: With each breath, visualize your body relaxing and your mind becoming clear.
  • Tennis: Use this exercise between points to stay focused.

3. Reliving a Perfect Shot

Common part: Focus on the sensation of ball contact, the fluidity of movement, and the ideal trajectory. This strengthens confidence in your game.

  • Golf: Recall a perfectly executed shot from the past.
  • Tennis: Think of a similar action you have successfully performed before.

4. Pre-visualization of the Next Shot

  • Golf: Create a stronger mind-body connection. Before taking the next shot, vividly imagine how you want it to unfold:
    • The correct posture and alignment.
    • The smooth motion of the backswing and swing.
    • The ball following the desired trajectory and landing in the ideal position.
  • Tennis: Picture how you want to play the next point, visualizing:
    • A solid stance on the court.
    • Perfect timing on the ball.
    • The intended trajectory and placement of your shot.

5. Positive Emotional Anchor

  • Associate a gesture (such as clenching your fist, touching the visor of your cap, or gripping the racquet) with a positive emotion.
  • Use this gesture after an error to bring your mind back to a state of confidence and control.

These exercises help players recover quickly from mistakes, maintain emotional control, and play more effectively and consistently.

Imagery training in track and field

 

What is the value of sport psychology without internship in sport organizations?

The issue of professional training in sports psychology presents numerous limitations for several reasons, the main one being the lack of internships within sports organizations.

Consequently, in my opinion, master’s programs in sports psychology that are purely theoretical and do not include internship opportunities cannot be considered true training courses for several reasons:

  • Lack of Practical Experience – Sports psychology is an applied discipline that requires practical skills in interacting with athletes, teams, and real sports contexts. Without an internship, students have no opportunity to develop fundamental operational skills.
  • No Access to the Job Market – A master’s program should provide not only knowledge but also concrete tools for professional integration. Without field experience, participants risk not acquiring the skills required by potential employers.
  • Difficulty in Translating Theory into Practice – Studying psychological theories and models without the chance to apply them in real situations limits understanding and learning effectiveness. Direct interaction with athletes and technical staff is essential for internalizing intervention methodologies.
  • Limited Professional Recognition – In other countries, many professional boards and associations require supervised practice hours to recognize competencies in sports psychology. A purely theoretical master’s program does not meet these requirements.
  • Reduced Job Opportunities – Sports organizations, teams, and federations prefer to work with professionals who have already gained direct experience in the field. A degree without practical experience hardly provides a competitive advantage in the job market.

In conclusion, a master’s degree in sports psychology without an internship cannot be considered a true professional training path because it does not provide the necessary practical skills nor facilitates entry into the job market.

Supervision role in sport psychology

Supervision in sport psychology is a fundamental element for professional development and continuous learning, especially when working with athletes and teams from diverse cultural backgrounds. It is not just a moment of discussion or self-evaluation but an opportunity for growth that allows professionals to refine their skills, enhance the quality of their interventions, and develop a greater awareness of cultural dynamics.

When working in a sports context, psychologists interact with athletes who bring their own values, beliefs, and interpretations of sports and competition, deeply influenced by their cultural backgrounds. A standardized approach that lacks intercultural sensitivity risks being ineffective or, in the worst cases, creating misunderstandings and barriers in the relationship with the athlete. This is where supervision becomes a powerful tool for reflection and learning. Through discussions with experienced colleagues or a supervisor, sport psychologists can develop more effective strategies to tailor their interventions and improve their communication and support skills.

One of the most important aspects of supervision is that it allows professionals to gain new perspectives. Often, when working with a specific team or athlete, one tends to develop a limited view based on personal experiences and cultural background. Engaging with a supervisor or a group of colleagues helps to challenge preconceived notions and consider alternative approaches that might otherwise go unnoticed. This is particularly useful in multicultural settings, where an approach that works well with one athlete may be ineffective for another due to cultural differences.

Furthermore, supervision provides a safe space to address emotional and professional challenges that may arise in daily work. Supporting athletes with high expectations and significant pressures can be demanding, even for professionals, who may experience moments of uncertainty or stress. Having a supervisor to discuss these difficulties with helps not only to find practical solutions but also to maintain emotional balance, which is essential for providing effective support.

Finally, supervision helps ensure a high standard of professional practice, preventing sport psychologists from relying solely on personal intuition or outdated methods. Sport psychology is an evolving field, and ongoing engagement with experts facilitates the integration of new knowledge and evidence-based techniques, ultimately improving the quality of service provided to athletes.

Embracing this approach, the International Society of Sport Psychology offers a high-level program for becoming recognized supervisors, enabling professionals to provide effective and competent guidance to young psychologists seeking expertise in this field. Explore supervision in sport psychology with Prof. Poczwardowski. Learn key practices for becoming an ISSP-registered supervisor, including fostering supportive environments, addressing ethics, and ensuring culturally safe supervision.

“After Us” Project in sports for young people with intellectual disabilities: From game to job-training

Work is a fundamental part of adult life: it not only ensures financial independence but also allows individuals to choose how to spend their time, participate in society, and feel part of a community. This applies to everyone, but for people with disabilities, it carries an even deeper meaning. Having a job means being recognized for one’s abilities, building stronger relationships with family and friends, engaging in recreational activities, and relying on support, both from services and from family and social networks.

Unfortunately, data shows how difficult it is for people with disabilities to access decent employment. In the case of individuals with Down syndrome, only 31.4% of those over 24 are employed. Even among those who do work, the majority do not have a standard contract: over 60% are employed in social cooperatives without real job protections. Even more concerning is the fact that in 70% of cases, they receive no compensation at all or are paid a symbolic wage, far below the actual value of their work. The situation is even more critical for autistic individuals: among those over 20, only 10% are employed.

This job insecurity affects not only people with disabilities but also their families. As highlighted by Censis years ago, many families feel increasingly alone in planning their children’s future. While 30-40% of parents of children and teenagers with Down syndrome up to the age of 15 envision an independent or semi-independent life for them, this percentage drops drastically to 12% once their children reach adulthood. A similar trend is seen among families with autistic children: 23% hope for a future of autonomy for them, but this confidence plummets to just 5% after the age of 21.

To try to change this reality, an innovative project has been launched in Italy: for the first time, a sports club, the Accademia di Calcio Integrato, has created a professional training program for six young people with intellectual disabilities. The project, funded by the 8×1000 contribution from the Waldensian Church, enabled participants to take an online course offered by the Italian Paralympic Federation for Intellectual and Relational Disabilities, earning a qualification as assistant instructors. With the support of two tutors—a sports psychologist and an instructor with a degree in sports science—these young adults completed a 16-hour training course and are now beginning a five-month paid internship.

This inclusion model could open new opportunities. Until now, job placement projects for people with intellectual disabilities have focused mainly on the restaurant and hospitality sectors. However, for many of them, sports already serve as a space for socialization and personal growth—a place where they have built relationships with peers and family members. So why not turn this passion into a professional opportunity? With the right training, these young individuals could become assistant coaches in soccer, basketball, and other sports, actively contributing to the life of sports organizations.

Italy has thousands of sports clubs, some small, others highly structured, that could seize this opportunity provided by Fisdir to offer a professional future to many young people with intellectual disabilities who are passionate about sports. The Accademia di Calcio Integrato project proves that it is possible—now, other organizations need to follow this example, transforming passion into a real career path.

How well are adolescents prepared to compete?

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.