Development of psychological skills in professional athletes during the training process

Research problem: lack of psychological training of professional athletes during the training before the competition. Participants of the research: professional athletes Research methods: Qualitative research was carried out, data was collected by a semi-structured interview method and inductive subject analysis according to Braun and Clarke was applied. Results: The results of qualitative research revealed that during the training process the following psychological skills are developed: self-confidence, self-satisfaction, ability to relax before the competition, situation management, motivation, stress management, tension reduction, fear management. It has been noticed that the development of psychological skills has a direct influence on the results of the competition. The traumatic experience raises the recurring fear for athletes to endure the same trauma and pain for the second time. The need for a sports psychologist in the training process is essential both in order to develop holistically and prepare for the competition completely, both in developing physical alongside psychological skills. Conclusions: 1. During the qualitative study, it has been revealed that professional athletes usually develop the following psychological skills: self-confidence, motivation, ability to manage a situation, desire to be satisfied with oneself as well as negative psychological characteristics such as anxiety, tension, fear and stress. 2. The study found that 5 out of the 8 participants stated that the developed pchycological skills have a significant impact on the results of the competition. It is revealed that frequent attendance in the competition and knowledge about the opponent strengthens self-confidence. It is also revealed that through the relaxation practice the tension before the competition has been overcome. 3. It has been identified that athletes feel a great deal of fear of suffering the same trauma for a second time while recovering after sports injuries. The loss of physical stature causes a feeling of shock due to physical exhaustion and the inability to return to sports at a full capacity. 4. After analyzing the qualitative research, it has been revealed that a sports psychologist plays a major role in returning from trauma back to sports by: giving opportunity to speak up, helping to create a specific plan, providing feeling of psychological support, helping to avoid stress or anxiety. A sports psychologist encourages a better team spirit and builds self-confidence in preparing for the competition. 5. It has been noticed that the relationship between the coach and the athlete plays an important role. It has been determined that the emotions of the coach have a direct influence on the results of the competition, the team’s spirit and the athlete's self-confidence