Behavioural Analysis in Competitive Athletes

The tests carried out are aimed at analysing athletes’ behaviour during competition, assessing the behavioural variables of the player or players during different game actions, with the aim of developing a behavioural profile that can be addressed during training sessions to improve athletic performance. To achieve these objectives, competition footage is recorded and data are collected on attitude, motivation, concentration, achievement goals, self-talk and flow. These are subsequently reviewed and discussed with the athlete in order to obtain information on the coping strategies available to them for dealing with different game situations.

The following equipment and methods are available to carry out this type of assessment:

• Validated questionnaires
• Systematic observation

This type of service is highly sought after by athletes who need to develop a behavioural profile in order to identify areas for improvement that can be addressed to enhance their performance. It may also be of interest to organisations or clubs wishing to assess the behavioural profile of their athletes in order to implement training resources aimed at improving the behavioural skills and coping strategies that contribute to enhanced athletic performance.

Most centres offering this type of assessment do not provide an adequate interpretation based on the latest advances published in the scientific literature and/or overlook variables that the scientific literature has identified as relevant predictors of athletic performance.

Our centre conducts an analysis that combines the use of state-of-the-art algorithms with observational assessment involving coaches, which has been shown to be the most valid and reliable method for achieving more precise individualisation of the parameters obtained.

These assessments are available and are routinely carried out by the centre. The research team also has extensive experience in conducting this type of assessment.

• Professional and Semi-Professional Sports Clubs and Teams.
• Sports Federations and High-Performance Centres.
• Individual Competitive Athletes.
• Sports Training Academies.

Eduardo Cervelló Gimeno – University Research Institute Centre for Sport Research