Naslov
It is easier to be a hunter than to be hunted: Psychological preparation of silver olympic waterpolo team

Autori
Barić, Renata

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, stručni

Izvornik
Proceedings Book of 8th International Scientific Conference on Kinesiology / Milanović, Dragan ; Sporiš, Goran ; Šalaj, Sanja ; Škegro, Dario - Zagreb : Kineziološki fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, 2017

ISBN
978-953-317-049-7

Skup
8th International Scientific Conference on Kinesiology

Mjesto i datum
Opatija, Hrvatska, 10.05.2017. - 14.05.2017

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
4 CO model, psychological preparation, elite sport

Sažetak
The sport preparation is comprised of physical, technical, tactical and psychological training. Psychological preparation helps elite athletes to optimize their performance. Elite athletes spend several years in preparing themselves for highestlevel competition as Olympic Games. On top level sport everything counts and everybody are trying to neutralise all factors that could, besides training, influence the final results. The aim is to present sport psychology interventions provided to Croatian national water-polo team, former Olympic champions, during 3-months, before the Rio Games. As one of the most challenging sport goal is to repeat the highest possible result, Olympic gold, this team needed ‘a step forward’ if they want to increase their chances to do it. Psychological preparation process was recognised as factor that could make a difference. It was organised in eight 3 to 5 days cycles during preparation period, firstly with wider selection, and progressively with less players. Initially, detailed psychodiagnostic evaluation of team and each player was conducted. According to the results obtained psychological preparation was organised on three levels. The first level included team-building program following 4 CO model: commitment, cooperation, cohesiveness, concentration. Second level included individual work with athletes, primarily oriented toward arousal regulation techniques by learning relaxation, breathing exercises and biofeedback, but also to individual issues. On third level sport psychologist worked intensively with a coach and whole expert team within individual consultations, workshops and daily meetings. Some psychological techniques were practiced on the pool, during or after training (concentration and relaxation exercise), implemented into conditioning or regular training sessions. Players and expert team were congruent about team mission (gold Olympic medal as a framework) but also aware and trained to keep their focus on the process– the way how to realise that ultimate goal. Team building interventions and team-work on training and competition goals contributed to team cohesion that facilitated performance on preparation games. Disciplined use of certain key words by all participant, players and expert helped to keep the focus on process. Good collaboration between coaches and sport psychologist and significant increment of group cohesion forcefully helped the process and finally, the outcome.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Psihologija

POVEZANOST RADA