Sports psychology studies the psychological processes and behavior of people within the framework of a sporting activity.
Sports psychology is the branch of psychology that studies the psychological processes and behavior of man during sporting activity . This applied science seeks to understand and optimize the internal conditions of the athlete to achieve the expression of the physical, technical and tactical potential acquired in the preparation process.
The first approaches between psychology and sport consisted of coaches consulting psychologists, where they presented descriptions of behaviors during competitions in search of advice to achieve self-control in athletes. However, over time, sports psychology advanced and today the interaction between the psychologist and the athlete is considered basic.
It should be noted that a good diagnosis for sports psychology appears linked to the usefulness it represents both for the athlete and for the team and for the institution to which it belongs.
The importance of sports psychology experts
The sports psychologist helps the competitor control stress , which produces emotional and behavioral disorganization that can affect performance . On the other hand, it tries to move from the expectation of success (when the athlete feels that his ability is directly associated with sporting victory) to the expectation of effectiveness (so that actions and technical movements occupy his attention and feelings).
But not only that, the sports psychologist, who is responsible for assisting athletes , coaches and teams , also provides those with various techniques that help them train what are called social skills. In this sense, they work with concentration , control of anxiety or fears and confidence . To do this, this psychology professional not only works with his patients at the office level but also in the facilities where they practice their sport, such as courts or gyms.
There are two major perspectives of sports psychology: developmental and therapeutic . On the other hand, according to its application, this psychology can be divided into athlete psychology ; coach psychology and counseling ; and leadership counseling .
Sports psychology can help reduce stress in high competition.
The case of Spain
The psychology that we are addressing is currently so important that in the case of Spain there is what is known as the Spanish Federation of Sports Psychology ( FEPD ). This aforementioned organization originated in the 1980s, with the objective of promoting and coordinating the work of the different existing associations that revolve around it.
Specifically, this federation works in areas such as the psychology of sports performance , the psychology of exercise and health, the psychology of sports initiation, the psychology of refereeing and sports judgment, evaluation in sports psychology and learning. engine.
A total of ten associations currently serve as members of the aforementioned federation and together they annually develop various events to promote the work carried out in the field of sports psychology, such as various conferences.