Psychological skills training guide for adolescent figure skaters
Kuznetsova, Elina (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024053018651
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024053018651
Tiivistelmä
This thesis presents the development and implementation of a psychological skills training (PST) guide tailored for adolescent figure skaters. The primary objective is to enhance the cognitive abilities and mental resilience of young athletes through structured PST methods. The guide focuses on four key psychological skills and characteristics: goal setting, self-confidence, motivation, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Drawing on extensive literature and practical experience, the thesis outlines a periodized approach to integrating PST within the annual training schedule of figure skaters, providing detailed exercises and methodologies applicable throughout various preparatory and competitive phases.
The necessity for such a guide arises from the observation that many figure skaters lack familiarity with psychological skills, which are crucial for overcoming the self-critical tendencies prevalent in the sport. By addressing these gaps, the guide aims to support skaters in developing a robust mental framework, essential for navigating the demands of early specialization and rigorous training routines. The thesis also emphasizes the role of coaches and educators in facilitating the adoption of PST techniques, ensuring that the material is both practical and effective.
Commissioned by the Sport Institute of Finland, Vierumäki, the guide is designed for broad application across different levels of figure skating coaching education. It serves as a comprehensive resource not only for athletes but also for coaches and coach educators, promoting the integration of psychological skills into everyday training practices. The usability and impact of the guide will be evaluated through feedback from its implementation in real-world settings, with the goal of enhancing the psychological resilience and performance of Finnish figure skaters.
This project, which spanned from conceptualization to completion between September 2023 and May 2024, underscores the importance of systematic PST in sports coaching. It highlights the transformative potential of integrating psychological skills training into the fabric of athletic development, paving the way for future research and application in various sports contexts.
The necessity for such a guide arises from the observation that many figure skaters lack familiarity with psychological skills, which are crucial for overcoming the self-critical tendencies prevalent in the sport. By addressing these gaps, the guide aims to support skaters in developing a robust mental framework, essential for navigating the demands of early specialization and rigorous training routines. The thesis also emphasizes the role of coaches and educators in facilitating the adoption of PST techniques, ensuring that the material is both practical and effective.
Commissioned by the Sport Institute of Finland, Vierumäki, the guide is designed for broad application across different levels of figure skating coaching education. It serves as a comprehensive resource not only for athletes but also for coaches and coach educators, promoting the integration of psychological skills into everyday training practices. The usability and impact of the guide will be evaluated through feedback from its implementation in real-world settings, with the goal of enhancing the psychological resilience and performance of Finnish figure skaters.
This project, which spanned from conceptualization to completion between September 2023 and May 2024, underscores the importance of systematic PST in sports coaching. It highlights the transformative potential of integrating psychological skills training into the fabric of athletic development, paving the way for future research and application in various sports contexts.