Emotional outpour or an attempt to upset the opponent, scare him? Or maybe both?

Running, foot stomping and all other impulsive behaviors have a goal of emotionally upsetting the rival, make him scared. Ostentatious calm is an opposite message, signaling assurance of winning, not being afraid, being in control and immune to provocation.

What can we achieve by prowling around the stage like a wild animal before a fight? Is this a good way to confuse your opponent? Make him wonder if you will strike him, attack him, or you are just walking around to let off steam? What do you think?

Impulsive behavior make one feel that the opponent is mentally unstable. That can cause fear. If the fighter thinks that his opponent might punch him, that can be stressful and upsetting. On the other hand, that would mean disqualification, which would be to their advantage. A lot depends on the attitude. The Italian Marco Materazzi provoked Zidane on purpose during the 2006 Mundial to strike him, which put Zidane out of the game, weakened France and helped Italy win.

Ostentatious calm – can you learn to pretend it? Is it even possible in such stressful moments as a title fight?

Our emotions and actions are two different things. I don’t think you can be totally calm, for various reasons. Courage is not the lack of fear. In high – level tournaments there are no people who feel no fear. The point is to give it your best despite fear. Stress, in small quantities, can be a good thing. This is connected to adrenaline, which positively influences stamina, blood circulation, immunity to pain, or level of tiredness. And to top it all, fear of fighting for a title is a good thing, too. It’s never good to underestimate your opponent.

The job to do here is to learn how to cope with stress successfully, to avoid psychological blockage, muscle spasms and other negative consequences. Acting in a way to weaken your opponent’s morale is a different thing.

What can be read from the choice of behavior between prowling and calm?

Not much, because each case is different. Outward calm can be a sign of self-assuredness, underestimating the rival, but also it can be a cover for high inside tension. On the other hand, impulsive behavior mustn’t mean lack of control, provocation might be calculated. It’s important to be concentrated and learn to cope well with your destructive emotions. A fighter must control their emotions, not the other way round. Any action can be profitable. If it’s been thought through. Sportspeople who succumb to emotions too much, often break rules, loose cold blood, and that can lead to failure or disqualification.

Our interviewee is Tomasz Folusz, psychologist, cognitive – behavioral psychotherapist, addiction therapist. He ran seminars in sports psychology, relaxation and motivation for chess players and coaches.

www.psycho-terapeuta.warszawa.pl

Iza Małkowska