Sports
To achieve and improve performance
In 1967, Dr. Raymond Abrezol adapted Caycedian sophrology to the field of sports. He drew inspiration from the work of neuropsychiatrist Alfonso Caycedo, who developed sophrology in the 1960s.
He then created sports sophro-pedagogy, an approach designed to support athletes in their mental preparation. This method notably contributed to the preparation of the Swiss ski team for the 1968 Olympic Games.
During the 1980s and 1990s, several specialists continued to develop sophro-pedagogy applied to sports, strengthening its use in the mental preparation of athletes.
A method adapted to the demands of sports
Sophrology fits naturally into sports practice, as it is based on principles similar to those of sports:
-
adaptation to situations
-
awareness and control of the body
-
objective perception of reality
-
positive thinking.developpment
Individual Coaching
Individual sessions are designed to meet the specific needs of athletes, particularly in the context of competition preparation.
A personalized mental training program is developed with the athlete to address various aspects:
-
pre-competition stress management
-
concentration
-
self-confidence
-
mental recovery
In many cases, just a few sessions are enough to learn how to manage stress better before a competition.
Group Sessions and Integration into Training
Sophrology can also be practiced in groups, as a complement to sports training.
These sessions are generally organized in collaboration with the coach and adapted to the team's objectives. They focus primarily on:
-
breathing techniques
-
relaxation techniques
-
mental recovery
They last on average between 10 and 30 minutes.
The exercises can be integrated directly into training sessions, for example:
-
during warm-up
-
during stretching
-
or during dedicated recovery time.
-
To develop true autonomy in practice, it is often recommended to follow several cycles of 6 to 12 sessions. Athletes can then use these techniques independently in their training and recovery.