Self-assessment of integrated preparedness and psychological state of young basketball players aged 16–20 in superleague teams

Abstract

Topicality. Researchers in sports games and sport psychology emphasize that particular attention should be given to athletes who are at a rather challenging stage within a long-term training system—the stage of preparation for higher achievements. The purpose of the study is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of integrated preparedness and the psychological state of young basketball players aged 16–20 in Super league teams at the stage of preparation for higher achievements based on questionnaire data. Materials and methods of the study. Theoretical analysis and synthesis of scientific and methodological literature and online sources (focused on materials related to the research problem); analysis of documentary materials (examination of competitive activity protocols); questionnaire survey (used to determine the strengths and weaknesses of preparedness in 16–20-year-old basketball players competing for Super league teams); methods of mathematical statistics (calculation of the percentage distribution of players’ responses to each question). Results of the study. We analyzed young players’ self-assessment of their competitive performance in professional teams, their psychological state after unsuccessful performances on the court, after repeated absences from the lineup, the quality of relationships with peers, team leaders, and the coach in everyday life, during training sessions, and in official matches, as well as perceptions of changes in playing roles and the impact of such changes on competitive performance, playing time received, and reactions to failures, and so on. Common patterns and substantial differences in players’ responses were identified, associated with individual characteristics, playing experience, sociometric status within the team, and other factors. These findings confirm the importance of employing individualized, differentiated, person-centered, activity-based, and synergetic approaches in the scientific justification and design of the structure and content of integrated training. Conclusions. Based on the analysis of the questionnaire results, young players’ attitudes of their own strengths and weaknesses in integrated preparedness and psychological state, as well as their relationships with teammates and a coach at the stage of preparation for higher achievements, were identified.