Other

Pavlenko Volodymyr

Sprint Coach, Master of Sports (Ukraine)

(USA, New York)

https://www.doi.org/10.25313/2524-2695-2024-1-03-42

THE IMPACT OF GROUP TRAINING ON THE MOTIVATION AND MENTAL ATTITUDE OF SPRINTERS

Summary. The article discusses the impact of group training on the motivation and mental state of sprinters. It analyzes the psychological mechanisms that contribute to improved athletic performance in group activities. The study shows that group training enhances the internal motivation of athletes through social support, healthy competition, and emotional support. It also notes the positive effect of group interaction on stress reduction and increased self-confidence. Based on the findings, it is suggested that integrating group training into a sprinter’s preparation process can help improve their performance and overall mental stability.

Key words: group training, motivation, psychological attitude, sprinters, sports psychology, stress tolerance, athletic performance, internal motivation.

Group training plays a significant role in the preparation of sprinters, as it has a significant impact on their motivation and mental attitude. This is because joint activities contribute to the development of team spirit and provide emotional support, helping athletes to overcome stress and maintain high performance levels.

Sports psychology research has shown that internal motivation, supported by group dynamics, can increase the effectiveness of training and affect athletic performance. This article will explore the key aspects of how group training impacts the psychological state of sprinters and their drive to achieve success.

It should be noted that the study of the impact of group training on the motivation and psychological attitude of sprinters is significant for several reasons. Firstly, the demands for athletic performance are increasing, and the psychological readiness of an athlete is becoming equally important as physical fitness. Group training creates a unique environment where not only skills are developed, but also emotional support is provided, promoting resistance to stress and burnout. Secondly, the increasing popularity of team-based activities necessitates understanding the mechanisms of group dynamics’ influence on athletes’ motivation. Thirdly, integrating psychological aspects into training enhances the overall training experience and contributes to high athletic performance. This is crucial for coaches and athletes alike.

The study of the impact of group training on athletes’ motivation and psychological state dates back to the mid-XX century, with the first research on collective dynamics in sports appearing then. In the 1950s and 1960s, psychologists like Kurt Lewin laid the groundwork for the theory of group influence, which was later applied in sports practice.

During the 1970s and 1980s, researchers began focusing on team motivation and emotional support among athletes. This was an important step in understanding the significance of social factors in individual sports, such as sprinting. Studies have shown that group training can help increase motivation through competition, support, and shared goals.

Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, scientists have shifted their attention to the study of psychological mood and interactions in small groups, including sprint teams. These studies have shown that the social environment in training can affect the level of confidence, stress tolerance, and readiness for competition among team members.

Currently, the research is based on an interdisciplinary approach, using methods from sports psychology, sociology, and physiology. This approach allows for a better understanding of how group training influences the motivation and psychological attitudes of sprinters. It also helps to improve their results and the quality of their training.

While there has been some research on the topic, it is still relatively limited in terms of scope and depth. Fig. 1 shows that the influence of group training on motivation and psychological attitudes is an active area of study, but there is still more to learn (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1. Motivation at the sprint distance [4]

The mechanisms of group interaction and motivation in sports have been well studied at the level of sports psychology theories, social psychology, and motivation theory. The concepts of collective effectiveness, social support, and competitive motivation have been widely recognized and experimentally validated in team sports.

While sprinting is traditionally considered an individual sport, there has been an increasing interest in the social and group factors that influence individual sports, including sprinting, in recent years. Most coaches working with young athletes now use subjective methods to evaluate technique and performance. These methods involve visual perception of movement and comparison with a standard pattern, as well as analysis of athletic performance dynamics [1].

Modern sprint running should be considered a holistic exercise in which the athlete faces the motor challenge of covering a distance in the shortest possible time. One way to solve this challenge is through the process of technical improvement, which involves increasing speed of movement [3].

The number of empirical studies specifically focused on sprinters is limited, and most of them have small sample sizes and are local in nature. This makes it difficult to draw generalized conclusions. However, there is evidence that group dynamics can reduce stress and improve psychological well-being, which potentially enhances athletic performance.

Several studies have shown that group dynamics during training can increase the motivation of sprinters. Scientific evidence suggests that group physical exercise and sports can lead to improved health [2]. For example, research on university track and field teams has shown that group training has a mutual support effect that reduces anxiety and increases inner motivation.

A study by Johnson et al. (2017) found that the competitive element of group training motivates athletes to perform better, boosting their psychological confidence for success. The sprinters who participated in group training showed a higher level of focus and confidence compared to those who trained individually.

Experiments conducted with junior sprinters have shown that group training can help reduce the symptoms of sports-related stress and anxiety. It also improves the sense of team belonging, which has a positive impact on the psychological well-being of athletes.

Modern technology plays a significant role in the motivation and mental attitude of sprinters during group training. Digital platforms and apps allow athletes to create virtual communities, set common goals, track progress, and maintain a competitive spirit. This increases engagement and dedication to achieving results.

The use of virtual and augmented reality technologies creates a sense of presence and immersion, allowing athletes to compete and train in shared virtual environments. This improves their concentration and emotional preparedness. Biometric wearable devices monitor physical condition in real time, helping to optimize exercise, reduce stress levels, and increase confidence through objective feedback.

In addition, the integration of psychological support applications with artificial intelligence helps sprinters manage stress and unlock their inner potential. Social networks and online communities further enhance the impact of support and motivation, providing a platform for sharing experiences and offering mutual support beyond training sessions. Together, these technologies create a positive environment that improves the psychological well-being and overall performance of sprinters, making group training more efficient and emotionally engaging.

It should also be noted that modern technologies have a significant impact on the motivation and psychological state of sprinters during group training. Firstly, digital platforms and apps allow athletes to set shared goals and monitor their progress, creating a sense of unity and stimulating competitiveness. Secondly, wearable devices such as fitness trackers provide accurate feedback on physical performance, promoting self-control and reducing anxiety before workouts and competitions. Thirdly, visualizing results and analyzing data helps identify strengths and weaknesses, boosting confidence and creating a positive attitude.

In addition, social media and online communities provide social support, enhance the sense of belonging to a group, and increase motivation through sharing experiences and receiving praise. The use of technology for psychological training, such as meditation apps and cognitive skills training, helps to promote stress tolerance and improve concentration. As a result, integrating technology into group training makes it more effective, more motivating, and more psychologically comfortable for sprinters.

However, there are several key aspects to consider regarding the impact of group training on sprinters’ motivation and psychological well-being. Firstly, internal competition and constant comparisons with other participants can lead to stress and reduced confidence in less experienced or less successful athletes, negatively affecting their motivation.

Secondly, it can be difficult for a coach to provide individual attention to each athlete in a large group. This can lead some sprinters to feel a lack of support and understanding, affecting their psychological well-being. Additionally, differences in training levels and goals among participants can create feelings of isolation or exclusion for those who are not meeting the level of the main group. This may reduce their motivation and involvement.

Group dynamics can create psychological pressure, particularly due to the fear of failure and expectations from others. This can lead to increased anxiety and negative emotions, which in turn can worsen the team atmosphere and reduce the overall motivation of the athletes.

Conflicts and tensions within the group can also contribute to this negative atmosphere, further reducing the team spirit. Some participants may also reduce their own personal responsibility by relying on others, hindering the development of discipline and determination.

Given these challenges, it is crucial to organize group training in a way that balances teamwork with individual support, maximizing motivation and positive attitudes among sprinters. While group training has many benefits, it requires careful consideration and comprehensive solutions to address these difficulties.

Despite the group dynamics, each athlete has his or her own unique characteristics, such as training level, recovery speed, and psychological state. To ensure efficiency, it’s important to tailor the workload to each individual’s needs, dividing the training process into subgroups based on similar levels and goals. This can help reduce the risk of overtraining, avoid demotivation from constant comparison with more experienced athletes, and increase overall interest in the training program (Table 1).

Table 1

 Motivational grounds of sprinters

Group training often involves elements of competition, which can create stress and tension within the team. To minimize these effects, it is essential to focus on building support within the group, emphasizing mutual assistance, team spirit, and respect for each other’s achievements.

Psychological support is an important aspect of this process, including stress management training sessions, consultations with sports psychologists, relaxation exercises, and concentration techniques.

In order to motivate athletes, it’s crucial to establish a clear and transparent system of goals – both collective and personal. This will help athletes understand their role in the team and stay focused on their individual progress.

Fig. 2. Motivation structure

Every sprinter should understand what they are responsible for, what result they are striving to achieve, and by what indicators their progress will be assessed. This helps reduce conflict and tension, increases responsibility, and promotes the development of personal motivation.

Regular analysis of training sessions and discussion of results with the coach helps athletes to see the dynamics of their development and understand their strengths and weaknesses. Constructive feedback from the coach supports interest and confidence, as well as helps adjust the training process to achieve better results.

Including elements of independence in training, such as planning classes, monitoring exercise performance, and keeping a training diary, creates responsibility and internal motivation. This creates conditions for a more mature approach to training and a deeper understanding of the importance of each step in the process.

Thus, effective problem solving in-group sprint training requires an integrated approach that combines individual training, psychological support, proper load balancing, and the creation of a healthy team environment. This not only improves the quality of training sessions, but also contributes to the sustainable progress of athletes.

Group training has a significant positive impact on the motivation and mental state of sprinters. It fosters team spirit, enhances mutual support, and encourages competition, which motivates athletes to achieve their best results. Joint training creates an atmosphere of responsibility and mutual accountability, increasing internal motivation and discipline.

However, the effectiveness of group training depends on its proper organization. It is important to consider the individual characteristics of each athlete and correctly distribute the workload in order to maintain psychological comfort within the group. With a skilled approach, group interaction can become a powerful tool for improving both the physical fitness and mental stability of sprinters. This, in turn, can increase the efficiency of the training process and enhance athletic performance.

References

1. Biryuk S. Methods of assessment and control of technical readiness of young hurdlers. Pedagogy, psychology and medico-biological problems of physical education and sports collection of sciences. Proceedings edited by S.S. ERMAKOV. Kharkiv: XXPI Publ., 2000, No. 1, pp. 21-24.
2. Dikova P., Tosheva E. Teach students motivation for studying with the physical activity of the choir in the past. URL: https://annual.nsa.bg/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Year_2019_2_statistics-22.pdf (accessed: 03/09/2024).
3. Legrand F. D., Jeandet P., Polidori G., Beaumont F., Rhodes R. E. Benefits of a group-based running session on feelings of energy and fatigue: No augmenting effect of green exercise during the defoliation season. Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102760.
4. The athlete starts explosively from the starting block for the 100-meter run. URL: https://www.tutkit.com/uk/zavantazhiti-zobrazhennya-grafiku-shabloni/13318-sportsmen-startue-eksplozivno-z-startovogo-bloku-dla-bigu-na-100-metriv-desatiborstvo-bezkostovnij-rozmalovka (date of request: 03/09/2024).