The Road to Success: Sport, Physical Education and Psychological Talent
Chapter from the book:
Uluç,
E.
A.
(ed.)
2023.
Research on Sport Sciences- VI.
Synopsis
Research in the field of sporting talent has primarily focused on how talent can be developed. In the sports literature, "talent" refers to the relationship between the inherent qualities a athlete possesses and the sporting excellence they achieve through the process of development. In this context, it is emphasized that in order to achieve success at the international level in any sport, talented athletes need to be identified correctly and engaged in a long-term and systematic training process. Additionally, it has been observed that some athletes, despite having similar physical attributes to their peers, demonstrate superior mental capabilities. This underscores the significance of psychological abilities in influencing athletes' performance and highlights the importance of identifying and enhancing these abilities to enhance sporting success. However, the text points out that psychological abilities have not been given sufficient attention, and the desired levels of performance have not been achieved. The American Psychological Association defines sports psychology as "the application of psychology's principles and rules to the sporting environment." This definition indicates that sports psychology examines the mental and psychological aspects of athletes. Furthermore, it underscores the role of environmental factors in the performance of child and adolescent athletes, highlighting the importance of sports psychology in this context. The text emphasizes that athletes must possess psychological abilities in order to achieve high performance in sports, and it underscores the need for a holistic approach to developing these abilities. It also highlights that psychological development can positively impact athletes by enhancing their self-confidence and moral values. In conclusion, the text centers on the development of sporting talent and the significance of psychological abilities in athletes. It underscores that sports psychology requires greater attention and importance in order to improve athletes' performance and contribute to their successful development.