On this occasion I want to talk to you about the main leader of a sports team, beyond the stars that make it up. That undisputed, necessary and fundamental figure for the functioning of the group is the coach with whom, through Sports Psychology, work can be done that benefits the entire team in its performance.
For some time now, there have been several elite athletes who have named their psychologists as fundamental in their preparation. Those who do not frequent the sports world have been surprised by these statements, but the truth is that an athlete’s training must be thought of comprehensively. The athlete must train his physique, his technique, his head and not neglect his diet and rest, among other issues. If an athlete does not work on organizing his head and clearing up internal threats that may bother him in his performance, he will give a sporting advantage to his rivals.
Now, do the main team leaders work on their “psi” aspect? They are the ones who first receive questions when the results do not arrive. Many things are expected of them, but, above all, a good relationship with those they direct (who are not always in tune with them), in addition to having the ability to tolerate frustration and criticism from leaders, fans, media. communication, etc.
A leader who is not in harmony with his team will not be respected or followed, that is, he will not be a leader!, and here is a cataract of problems from which sports psychologists are usually called with the mistaken belief that our job is to put out fires or provide quick solutions. But, unfortunately, we are neither firefighters nor do we have Harry Potter’s wand. However, the good news is that we can work with them and their Technical Teams to improve and strengthen the psychological variables that influence their performance.
Coaches must be prepared people, students of tactics and technique, and must transmit a game language in which their team BELIEVE AND TRUST, in addition to knowing how to read and study the languages of rivals in order to neutralize them.
It is an arduous, lonely and exhausting task that requires many hours of work and passion. And, as I said, athletes are people before they are athletes, and so are coaches, so their training must also be thought of comprehensively.
Each coach has his or her imprint, the product of his or her personal history, experience and training; From Sports Psychology we work with them on both verbal and non-verbal communication, self-confidence, concentration, motivation, quick resolution of errors and adverse results, anxiety management and decision making under pressure. It is crucial that your inhibitory control is adequate and your responses to frustrations are socialized, as this has a direct impact on the behavior of your team.
At a good time the trainers began to arrive at the office. Today they consult me to work on all these issues and the Technical Bodies are also beginning to demand sports psychologists on their campuses. Athletes and coaches are people – yes, something so obvious is not always remembered – their emotions are expressed with their bodies on the field! In my professional practice I observe many injuries associated with poor emotional management and coaches with burnout. Therefore, where a place for exchange and listening is created, these leaders can rethink their praxis and improve their psychological skills to enhance the sporting performance of their team.
Lic. Luz Morales
Psychologist, specialist in Clinical and Sports.
MN 43342 MP 94642
Ig: @luzmoralespsi
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