psychological preparation

In volleyball, as in other sports, special attention should be paid to the individual characteristics of the athlete. However, this is often neglected. Most problems arise when the selection criteria for a role are not a player’s personal qualities, but rather their technical and tactical skills (tallness, a strong dominant arm, etc.). Here, it’s not just the player’s skills that matter, but also how they present themselves as a person. Many personal qualities are determined by a person’s genetic code, which cannot be changed. The nervous system, temperament, and character play a crucial role in success in volleyball. Athletes’ activities during volleyball are subject to many specific characteristics inherent to the game. The fast pace, the variety and unexpectedness of game situations, the interaction with teammates, the intermittent pace, and other characteristics place mental demands on volleyball players that are markedly different from those placed on, for example, a gymnast during gymnastics exercises. A volleyball player must be able to quickly and accurately navigate changing conditions, instantly switch from one situation to another, and be prepared for any actions by teammates and opponents. The time constraints of fast-paced play place high demands on reaction time and decision-making. Two main types of neuropsychological resilience can be distinguished: players with an unstable nervous system and those with an inert nervous system. In the former case, a player may involuntarily change their mental state before an important game, sometimes becoming calm, sometimes excited. It is important to properly prepare such volleyball players. High-intensity and prolonged training before the game will help them focus and distract themselves from external stress. An athlete with this type of nervous system should focus on the technique and precision of the elements they perform. In the case of an inert nervous system, training should be focused on mental work. Before the game, a volleyball player should begin psychological preparation, which will consist of positive and negative mental stimulation based on the athlete’s personal experience. When working during training or warm-ups, it’s important to emphasize the athlete’s potential dangers.

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.