The effectiveness of young football players’ athletic training is determined by the interaction of physical, technical, tactical, theoretical, integrated, and psychological components. In team sports, communicative and organizational inclinations are of particular importance as psychological prerequisites for effective interaction and the realization of leadership potential. Purpose. To identify and compare the age-related characteristics of communicative and organizational inclinations in young football players and to determine their role in the implementation of leadership functions in team activities. Materials and methods. To achieve the aim of the study, an analysis was conducted analysis of scientific and methodological literature, comparison, psychological assessment using the «Assessment of Communicative and Organizational Inclinations» by V. V. Sinyavskyi and B. O. Fedorishyn, and methods of mathematical statistics, including the Kruskal–Wallis test. The study involved three groups of football players (n=108): aged 9–10 (n=33), 13–14 (n=37), and 16–17 years (n=38) from Children and Youth Sports Schools in Kyiv.Results. Significant individual variability in the indicators was established. Communicative inclinations were found to be more developed than organizational inclinations. Their mean values were 3.00±1.58, 2.92±1.40, and 3.21±1.45 points, respectively, across the three age groups, while organizational inclinations were 2.03±1.33, 2.24±1.42, and 2.34±1.38 points. The oldest group demonstrated a higher proportion of athletes with high and very high levels of communicative inclinations, whereas a low level predominated in organizational inclinations across all age groups. No statistically significant age-related differences were found in communicative (H=0.75; p=0.69) or organizational inclinations (H=1.11; p=0.57). Conclusions. Communicative and organizational inclinations are important psychological prerequisites, but not direct indicators, of leadership function implementation. The communicative component creates prerequisites for information, motivational, mediating, and representative functions, while the organizational component contributes to planning, coordination, and responsibility-taking. The findings support the need for targeted development of these characteristics and the application of distributed leadership principles.
The aim of the study consists in the theoretical substantiation of the psychological preparation of basketball players before important matches and the identification of the most effective methods of regulating the psycho-emotional state of athletes. Research methods: theoretical analysis and generalisation of scientific and methodological literature. Research results. Analysis of scientific sources and practice of training basketball teams allows us to state that responsible matches are accompanied by significant psycho-emotional stress. It can be associated with the importance of the result, the level of the opponent, the expectations of the coach, partners and fans, as well as with previous experience of victories or defeats. One of the most common psychological states before a responsible game is pre-start anxiety. Its excessive level can negatively affect the accuracy of throws, speed of decision-making, coordination of movements and the ability to act in accordance with the tactical plan. At the same time, moderate mental stress can have a positive meaning, as it helps to mobilize forces, increase the activity and concentration of the athlete. An important result of the study is the statement that the psychological readiness of a basketball player is formed in the following main areas: the formation of self-confidence, the development of concentration, the use of breathing exercises and muscle relaxation, the use of mental rehearsal (imitation of competitive moments), the formation of team psychological readiness, the importance of the coach’s activities. Conclusions. Psychological preparation is an important component of the overall preparation of basketball players and directly affects the stability of their competitive activity. Before important matches, athletes may experience increased anxiety, emotional tension, lack of self-confidence, decreased concentration, and fear of making mistakes. The optimal mental state of a basketball player before the game involves a sufficient level of mobilization, emotional balance, self-confidence, concentration, and readiness for team interaction. The most effective methods of psychological preparation are breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, positive self-suggestion, mental rehearsal, modeling competitive situations, individual methods of preparing for the match, and team guidelines. Psychological preparation should be carried out systematically throughout the entire training process. Conducting it only on the eve of a critical match does not provide a sufficient level of psychological readiness.
Abstract. The article presents an analysis of the issue of low free-throw conversion rates in basketball, particularly among young players competing in Super League teams during their debut season. Purpose. The aim of the study is to analyze the efficiency of free-throw execution during competitive play among young Super League basketball players throughout the season. Material and Methods. Methods and materials: analysis of specialized scientific and methodological literature, analysis of competitive performance, and mathematical statistical methods. Results. An analysis of scientific and methodological literature confirmed that, despite modern approaches and training methods for basketball players, the issue of free-throw execution persists and requires ongoing attention from basketball specialists as well as researchers in biomechanics and sports psychology. Differences were identified in free-throw efficiency during competitive play between the experimental and control groups, both in terms of group averages and specific playing positions (guards, forwards, and centers). Unlike previous studies, our research focused on identifying the dynamics of free-throw efficiency throughout the season and the need to develop a methodology for improving the execution of this shot by young Super League basketball players; unlike their more experienced counterparts, these players are characterized by inconsistency and are more susceptible to psychological pressure from opposing fans. Conclusions. The research revealed differences in free-throw efficiency during competitive play between basketball players in the experimental group and those in the control group, both in terms of group averages and by playing position (guards, forwards, and centers).
