IMPROVING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL RESISTANCE OF TABLE TENNIS ATHLETES AT THE STAGE OF SPECIALIZED BASIC TRAINING

Abstract

The relevance of the study is due to the need to increase the psychological resilience of table tennis athletes as an important prerequisite for successful competitive activity and achieving high sports results. The purpose of the study is to develop and experimentally verify the effectiveness of a set of tools and methods aimed at forming and increasing the level of psychological resilience of young tennis players to the influence of competitive stress. Participants: 12 tennis players aged 15-16 (boys) who were engaged in table tennis in the city of Kharkiv. Research methods: analysis and systematization of scientific literature; questionnaires before and after the experiment using the CSAI-2 (Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2) questionnaire; methods of mathematical statistics using SPSS Statistics 26 software. Results. The experimental program for increasing psychological resilience was implemented consistently and involved the use of a set of specially selected exercises and tasks aimed at developing resilience to competitive stress, increasing the level of concentration of attention, forming emotional self-regulation skills, confidence in one's own capabilities and the ability to act effectively in tense game situations. The exercises were performed both in the preparatory part of the lesson and directly during the game activity, which contributed to the transfer of the formed psychological self-regulation skills to competitive practice. After the implementation of the program, a statistically significant decrease in the levels of cognitive and somatic anxiety and an increase in self-confidence were established (p<0.002). Conclusions. The effectiveness of the method for increasing the psychological resilience of young tennis players at the stage of specialized basic training, which is based on a complex combination of exercises on psycho-emotional self-regulation, the development of concentration of attention, adaptation to competitive pressure and the formation of self-confidence, has been shown.