AthleticAssist

10/02/2024

Do you remember the emotions of the Swedes and Americans in the U18 World Championship final in 2024? Tears and joy, despair and happiness. It's hard to imagine that there are athletes with low sports motivation there.
Sports motivation is a determining factor for a future or current athlete. Once we evaluated a basketball team of 12 players. In addition to online testing, we attended the team's practices and competitions. We got acquainted with the athletes, their parents (since they were under 18), talked to the coach, and observed his work.
Here's what we noticed during the games. The team played in a relaxed mode. Even in the last crucial minutes when the athletes were losing, we didn't see a sharp surge of energy and a strong desire to win.
The answers to our questions were immediately evident in the assessment results. Almost all of them had a low or moderately low level of sports motivation. Parents' responses to our questions about their children's plans for a professional sports career were vague: "don't know," "we don't plan a career."
A few players in the team, disregarding their technical skills, sought to dedicate themselves to sports and actively demonstrated their desire and motivation. Later, after a few months, we found out that these players had left the team and joined other clubs.
The picture of low motivation is not always clear to the coach and the club. The coach sees that the athlete is talented, places bets on him, but hears about the player's laziness. The coach and the club turn a blind eye and continue their work. Indeed, there are cases where over time, the athlete's priorities and interests shift towards sports. But these are usually exceptions.
There are clubs that aim only to train children, support their health, and promote physical activity. In such cases, sports motivation is not a crucial factor. There are other clubs in the field of high achievements, and here the stakes are high. If an athlete declares one thing but behaves differently, coaches and clubs are misled, occupying a spot that could be taken by a highly motivated athlete.
What to do?
1. For the club (in high-performance sports), identify such athletes in time and replace them with more motivated ones.
2. For the coach, do not turn a blind eye to athletes and do not deny their presence. Determine a strategy for working with such athletes, if possible, adjust their motivation positively.
3. For the parents of teenage athletes, who are usually aware of their children's motivation for sports, and often delay time or burden themselves with responsibility just to avoid changing decisions, reconsider their plans for their children's future, clarify their motivation and interests.
4. For athletes - answer honestly the question "What am I doing in sport and why do I need it?". Make a decision.
Why is this important? A highly motivated athlete:
1. Is better teachable, maintains discipline, and strives for high results.
In key moments for the team in competitions or the training process, they can be an assistant to the coach and motivator for their teammates.

17/01/2024

Three years ago, we thought about what method we would use to create a competency model for an athlete.

We had two options:
1. Create a target profile of the athlete for an interview with coaches.
2. Test successful athletes and highlight those skills that affect their effectiveness.

We actually used both methods.

All the time we tested athletes on 17 competencies. After a while we saw that several skills are redundant and assessments overlap. So we came to the conclusion that the target profile of the athlete should be simplified.

We have also retained four types skills in our profile: teamwork, efficiency, stability and leadership. For athletes, the final test now includes only 100 questions, instead of 150.

Next time we’ll start talking about every competency in our profile.

30/12/2023

Happy holiday to all friends, colleagues and partners!

30/11/2023

Fears Survey
We have compiled the primary fears that cause anxiety for athletes before competitions.
Please select those you have most frequently encountered in your experience.

We have compiled the primary fears that cause anxiety for athletes before competitions.

22/11/2023

RESEARCH ATHLETICASSIST_TOP ATHLETE COMPETENCIES

In the scope of our survey involving representatives from sports clubs and experts, we inquired about the competencies they consider most crucial for athletes.

SURVEY RESULTS:
1. Self-control and self-regulation: Key qualities for athletes. Effective management of these traits gives athletes an advantage on the field against opponents and helps teammates contribute to the overall team result.

2. Teamwork, communication, adherence to the rules: When these skills are at a high level, coaches can effectively manage the team, ensuring that set tasks are accomplished by the athletes.

3. Sports motivation: It made it into our ranking, but it's worth noting that high sports motivation should be inherent in athletes aiming for significant achievements; otherwise, their presence in the field may be questionable.

4. Leadership: An important competency not only for captains and assistants. The significance of this quality extends far beyond, providing depth to an athlete's character. Further details are covered in our online course.

5. Competitive aggression, orientation to success or avoidance of failure, emotional resilience: These are also among the key competencies for athletes. Excessive combativeness can lead the entire team to an unexpected defeat, and insufficient focus on success might rob athletes of the desire to win, pushing them into a perpetual defensive scenario.

© Copyright Athletic Assist

20/11/2023

RESEARCH ATHLETICASSIST _ The Importance of Sports Psychology in Athlete Development

We surveyed Serbian and Slovenian athletes, coaches, agents, and physiotherapists to gather their opinions on sports psychology. Despite a low demand for specialists in this field from sports representatives, all participants emphasized the importance of working with athletes on their personal qualities, behavior, anxieties, and fears.

Experts and athletes from various sports participated in the survey, including football, basketball, handball, hockey, water polo, tennis, athletics, cycling, mountain biking, kickboxing, and kayaking.

SURVEY RESULTS:
1. 93% of respondents highlighted the significant role of sports psychology in athlete development but noted limited experience in this field in Serbia and Slovenia.

2. Only 50% had worked with sports psychology experts at least once.

3. Nevertheless, 86% stated that such work should be conducted consistently by clubs and athletes.

4. 70% of respondents suggested a format for athletes to work with a psychologist or coach.

5. 36% claimed that the responsibility for an athlete's work in sports psychology within the club lies with the coach, while 21% attributed it to the team manager.

6. 100% physiotherapists working with athletes asserted that they see a connection between an athlete's likelihood of injury and their mental state. A quarter stated the need for athletes to address their mental well-being after recovering from an injury, while others believed it depended on the type, complexity, and rehabilitation timelines of the injury.
© Copyright Athletic Assist

25/10/2023

The Power of Empathy in Sport ✋

In the world of sports psychology, empathy plays a pivotal role, yet it is often underestimated. Understanding what empathy means in this context can unlock the potential for greater success and well-being among athletes.

Empathy is the ability to truly comprehend and share the feelings and emotions of athletes. It goes beyond merely offering encouragement or providing advice, it involves stepping into the shoes of athletes, experiencing their triumphs and setbacks, and recognizing the unique pressures they face.

Here are a few key aspects of empathy in sport:

Building Trust and Rapport: Empathy is a cornerstone in building trust and rapport between athletes and their coaches or sports psychologists. Athletes are more likely to open up and seek help when they feel their feelings are understood and respected.

Enhancing Communication: Empathy improves communication between athletes and their support network. Coaches and sports psychologists who demonstrate empathy can better convey insights and strategies that resonate with the athletes, making them more receptive to advice and guidance.

Stress Management: Empathy helps athletes cope with stress. By understanding the sources of an athlete's anxiety or self-doubt, sports psychologists can tailor their interventions to address those specific concerns.

Motivation and Confidence: Empathetic support can boost motivation and confidence. When athletes feel that someone truly believes in their abilities and understands their struggles, they are more likely to push through obstacles and believe in their potential.

Team Dynamics: In team sports, empathy contributes to a harmonious team environment. Athletes who empathize with their teammates can foster a supportive and collaborative atmosphere, where everyone's needs and emotions are considered.

In summary, empathy is a powerful tool that can help athletes not only perform better but also lead healthier, more balanced lives. Coaches, sports psychologists, and even fellow athletes who embrace empathy as part of their approach can make a significant impact on an athlete's journey to success. By acknowledging the emotional and psychological aspects of the game, we can foster an environment where athletes thrive, both on and off the field.

In our assessments, we also determine athletes' levels of empathy and assist in raising it to the required level.

Diagnostics and development of the potential of an athlete

18/10/2023

🌟 Sports Psychology: The Key to Success, Even for Legends 🌟

Lionel Messi 🏆 - a name synonymous with football greatness and FC Barcelona. Yet, even this exceptional talent sought the assistance of a sports psychologist to overcome challenges and achieve unprecedented heights.

In 2005, when Lionel Messi was just starting his professional career with Barcelona, he faced a series of difficulties and injuries that could have shaken his confidence and game. To help him conquer these obstacles and develop mental resilience, the club decided to bring in psychologist Emilio Lao.

Collaborating with Lao proved to be a game-changer for Messi. Here's how sports psychology transformed his journey:

1. Cultivating Positive Thinking: Emilio Lao assisted Messi in cultivating a positive mindset. This shift in thinking allowed Messi to view challenges as opportunities for growth, enhancing his mental resilience.

2. Emotion Control: Controlling emotions is vital in sports. With Lao's guidance, Messi learned to manage pressure and stress on the field, maintaining focus and self-assuredness in his actions.

3. Improved Confidence and Stability 💪 : Over time, Messi grew more confident and composed on the pitch. His results significantly improved, making him a team leader and one of the greatest footballers in history.

🚀 As a result of his collaboration with a sports psychologist, Lionel Messi became not only a technically gifted player but also possessed a robust psychological foundation, a key factor in his successful career.

This example underscores the importance of psychological preparation and its influence on the performances of renowned athletes. Partnering with a qualified sports psychologist helps athletes develop mental strength, boost confidence, and reach new heights in their careers. 🏅

16/10/2023

🚀 Elevate Your Team's Performance with Our Sports Performance Enhancement Services! 🏆

Are you striving to take your sports team to the next level? We offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to maximize your team's potential and ensure peak performance. Whether you're a professional athlete, a dedicated coach, or a sports organization, our offerings can help you achieve excellence in your field.

🌟 Personal Assessment: Unlock Your Full Potential

Team Diagnostics: Identify strengths and weaknesses within your team.
Athlete's Testing: Analyze individual athlete performance.
Comparative Benchmark Analysis: Benchmark against top performers.
Sports Psychologist Consultation: Mental strength is key.
Athlete's Development Plan: Create a roadmap for improvement.
🏅 Team Development: Unleash Collective Brilliance

Team Testing: Assess team dynamics and cohesion.
Comparative Analysis by Roles: Optimize role assignments.
Team Development Plan: Chart your team's path to success.
Roadmap for Developmental Activities: Tailored to your needs.
Conducting Team-Building Events: Strengthen team bonds.
🎯 Coach Excellence: Enhance Coaching Prowess

Coach Profile Development: Craft a standout coaching identity.
360-Degree Coach Assessment: Get holistic feedback.
Individual Coach Development Plan: Customize your growth journey.
Educational and Developmental Activities: Stay ahead of the game.
Our proven methodologies and expert team will empower you to reach new heights in sports performance. Whether you're a competitive athlete looking to sharpen your skills, a team aiming for championship glory, or a coach dedicated to your athletes' success, our services are designed to propel you towards excellence.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to excel in the world of sports! Contact us today to discuss how our tailored solutions can benefit you and your team. Let's transform your aspirations into achievements!

📞 Contact us now to schedule a consultation and embark on your journey to sports greatness. 🏆

Diagnostics and development of the potential of an athlete

13/10/2023

🏀🎾🏈 Train like professionals, play like champions! 🥇🚴♀️⚽

Hello, colleagues and friends! Today, I want to share my inspiration, which I draw from the world of sports. 🌟

Sport is not just about health and physical activity; it's also a source of endless motivation and lessons for achieving success in business and life. 📈

🏆 Hard work and continuous development. Athletes work on themselves every day, striving for perfection. This reminds us that in business, too, we need to constantly grow, learn, and improve.

🤝 Teamwork. Athletes achieve their goals together with a team. In business, collaborative work and support from colleagues are equally important.

🧠 Sports strategy. Planning and strategy play a crucial role in both sports and business. Start each day with a clear goal and plan.

🚀 Overcoming challenges. Athletes teach us to be resilient and overcome obstacles. In business, challenges may arise, but they make us stronger.

🌍 Sport unites. Sport knows no boundaries or language barriers. It brings people from all over the world together. Just like international business unites our ideas and efforts to achieve common goals.

What do you draw from the world of sports to achieve your business goals? 🚀 Share your sports stories and inspiration in the comments! 🗣️

11/10/2023

🌟 In the world of sports, it's not just about physical prowess; it's about mastering your emotions too. 🧠

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a game-changer, and it's not just for boardrooms and classrooms. Athletes who harness their EQ have a significant advantage when it comes to peak performance. Here's how:

Self-Awareness: Athletes with high EQ are in tune with their emotions. They can identify their feelings, whether it's pre-game jitters or frustration during a tough match. 🧘♀️

Self-Regulation: EQ helps athletes manage their emotions effectively. It means staying composed under pressure, bouncing back from setbacks, and not letting emotions dictate actions. 💪

Motivation: Emotional intelligence fuels intrinsic motivation. Athletes with a strong EQ are driven by passion, and they know how to set and pursue meaningful goals. 🎯

Empathy: Understanding teammates' emotions fosters a supportive and cohesive team environment. Empathetic athletes can offer encouragement, lend a listening ear, and strengthen team bonds. 🤝

Social Skills: Athletes with high EQ excel in communication and teamwork. They can navigate conflicts, provide constructive feedback, and lead by example. 🗣️

In essence, emotional intelligence is the key to unlocking your mental game and reaching new heights in sports. 🚀

💬 How has emotional intelligence impacted your athletic journey? Share your experiences and tips on how emotion management has boosted your performance! 🏆

04/10/2023

🌟 AthleticAssist: Unlock the Full Potential of Athletes! 🌟

In our advanced 21st century, human achievements in sports stand among the most impressive. Physical, technical, and tactical training of athletes consume a significant portion of their time. Surprisingly, the psychological aspect often takes a back seat for many coaches. This leads to missed opportunities and sometimes even failures for both individual athletes and teams.

❓ How can this be avoided? ❓

✅ We offer the development of a system for considering psychological factors that make future champions:

➡️ Identifying POTENTIAL - through the diagnosis of personal and psychological qualities of athletes. ➡️ Determining DEVELOPMENT AREAS - by comparing the assessment results of athletes with the qualities of successful players. ➡️ And, of course, creating and implementing an individual plan of psychological preparation that will help your athletes achieve HIGH SUCCESS in sports.

💡 Giving proper attention to competent individual psychological preparation of athletes allows them to stand out among competitors and achieve outstanding results 🥇🏆🏅.