Analysis of the Psychological Readiness Characteristics of Female Futsal Team Athletes

Abstract

The article examines the features of psychological readiness of female futsal team athletes as one of the key factors influencing competitive performance. Psychological readiness is interpreted as an integrative state that includes motivational, emotional-volitional, cognitive, and regulatory components, which ensure athletes’ ability to consistently perform game tasks under competitive stress. Objective - The study aims to theoretically substantiate and empirically investigate the features of psychological preparedness of a female futsal team and identify ways to optimize it. Methods. The study employed a set of methods, including analysis, synthesis, systematization, and generalization of scientific sources; empirical methods such as psychodiagnostic techniques, questionnaires, testing, and observation; as well as methods of mathematical statistics. Results. The analysis revealed the level of achievement motivation, stress resistance, self-assessment of preparedness, team cohesion, and emotional self-regulation abilities during pre-competition and competition periods. It was found that the majority of athletes demonstrate a moderate level of psychological readiness, characterized by emotional instability in high-pressure situations and insufficiently developed self-regulation skills. A strong relationship was identified between high psychological readiness and athletes’ self-confidence, team cohesion, and intrinsic achievement motivation. Athletes with better-developed emotional control demonstrated higher game stability and performance efficiency. Conclusions. The study confirms the necessity of systematic psychological training in women’s futsal aimed at developing stress resistance, team interaction, and self-regulation skills, which contributes to improving competitive reliability. The obtained data indicate that, overall, the psychological preparedness of futsal players meets the requirements of professional sport; however, certain risk areas were identified, including emotional instability, fear of making mistakes, and fluctuations in self-control among some athletes.