Abstract:

In sports, true talent is knowing how to use your talent rationally. Just like technical and physical training, mental coaching is one of the pillars of preparation, allowing the awareness of hidden abilities. In competition, it is the mind that plays an important role in maintaining the players' technical-physical-tactical skills. The opponent is no longer the other, but rather oneself. The real challenge is how to overcome fear and manage stress and negative emotions on the day of the competition. What place is given to mental coaching in the management of Moroccan sports teams? How is mental coaching practiced? The main objective of this article is to explain the importance given to psycho-sociological aspects in the management of sports teams. In order to answer this question, a qualitative approach was adopted to identify the main problems encountered by sports teams, particularly women's football teams. A series of semi-directive interviews were conducted with a sample of players, coaches and team managers. The lines of enquiry explored in these interviews were established according to a conceptual and theoretical framework. The latter covers the whole range of psychological theories of mental coaching, thanks to which reliable indicators are defined in order to better understand and explain the problem. The main results of the empirical study revealed a very low level of emotional intelligence in the players. This is manifested at the cognitive, affective, behavioural and physical levels. The study also showed the predominance of physical aspects and that mental coaching is often confused with physical coaching and technical training. The recommendations, based on the results of the empirical study, particularly support the establishment of a structure, with the necessary human resources within the sports teams. A structure responsible for the management and motivation of players independently of physical training. The success of a sports team is not only dependent on specific physical preparation, but also on psychological preparation and support. The main task of a coach is the acquisition of technical and tactical skills, the main task of a mental coach is the acquisition and development of personal abilities.

Keywords: mental coaching, mental preparation, sports performance, psychological support, personal abilities.