METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO DETERMINING NEGATIVE MENTAL STATES IN ATHLETES BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF COMPETITIVE ACTIVITIES

Abstract

Success in sports competitions largely depends on the emotional status and mood of their participants. Modern sports psychology studies the influence of psychological factors on the athletic achievements of athletes, namely, how their mental state and mood can determine the demonstration of maximum possibilities of sportsmanship. According to coaches of various types of martial arts surveyed in Sumy region, successful sports achievements are impossible without well-established relevant psychological training, which helps to increase the athlete’s motivation, concentration and confidence in their own abilities. The athlete’s psychological mood is determined by his emotional state, motivation and belief in his own abilities to demonstrate readiness to fulfill the coach’s competitive instructions.A positive mood helps to focus on the task, increases the level of energy supply for performing physical activity, and influences the adoption of balanced and rational decisions during important starts. In this state, the athlete is ready to overcome difficulties and demonstrate high sporting achievements. A negative mood, on the other hand, can lead to decreased motivation, anxiety, and fear of the outcome set for the upcoming competition, and mistakes that will negate all of the athlete’s previous training activity. The results of a sporting competition often depend on how an athlete manages their emotions and stressful situations. Sports psychology teaches athlete’s relaxation, visualization, and concentration techniques that help maintain an optimal psychological state. This allows the athlete to remain calm and focused even in difficult situations, which contributes to their demonstration of better results. The authors of this scientific article presented information for coaches on methods for determining negative mental states both in laboratory conditions and in a competitive environment.