The Evolution of Sports Psychology: Insights from José Carrascosa

José Carrascosa, born in Valencia in 1957, acknowledges that he has been a “companion” to the secrets shared by various first-division football players during their visits to his office. “Now, this has evolved with society,” he clarifies. As a pioneer of sports psychology in Spain, Carrascosa began his career as a mentor at Valencia’s player residence in 1993 and has since collaborated with professional teams such as Levante, Rayo, Sevilla, and, in the last decade, has been part of the coaching staff for Valencia, Athletic, and Real Sociedad. He is the founder of Saber Competir, a team specializing in sports psychology, and he is now embarking on a new chapter with DV7, David Villa’s group, which has established a psychology department. “This serves as a vital component of the holistic development of players in academies, including CF Benidorm, and as a representation agency,” Carrascosa explains.

**Q: Let’s start with a fundamental question: Is there a significant difference between psychology and sports psychology?**

**A:** The primary distinction is that clinical psychology aims to address problems or pathologies, serving patients. In contrast, sports psychology should be viewed as an integral aspect of training. We need to dismantle the stereotype that it only benefits athletes in times of crisis. It is beneficial for every athlete, as a football player today must possess not only exceptional technical and tactical skills but also a resilient mindset, which can be taught, trained, and learned.

**Q: What issues are most prevalent in your office? Is it excessive pressure or anxiety?**

**A:** The most common negative emotion in locker rooms is not anxiety; it is anger and frustration. Athletes often feel anger directed at themselves, their circumstances, teammates, or even the team’s performance. This can become a serious issue. It is also common for athletes to feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility: the pressure to perform well, avoid mistakes, gain approval, achieve rankings, and win crucial points. When these pressures overshadow the essence of the sport—being fully present in the task at hand—athletes struggle to perform.

**Q: Can the mental factor in performance be quantified?**

**A:** Research indicates that an athlete who is emotionally unwell may only perform at 40% of their potential.

**Q: Do you know of any players who were initially resistant to seeking your help but later regretted not doing so sooner?**

**A:** Often, the most prepared athletes are those who most seek psychological support. Today’s youth are incredibly well-prepared—perhaps the most educated in history regarding training and technology—but when they encounter difficulties, they tend to doubt themselves, become submissive, and suffer. Current generations exhibit less resilience, partly due to the influence of modern technology, leading to more individualistic attitudes.

**Q: In a team sport, this poses significant challenges.**

**A:** Additionally, due to contemporary educational methods, young players are generally less temperamental. In the past, a team might include seven or eight fiery, passionate players who thrived on competition, whereas today, there may only be three. Consequently, coaches are inclined to identify players who exhibit not only exceptional skills but also competitiveness, further justifying the need for psychological support.

**Q: Have you encountered successful professional footballers who have expressed dissatisfaction with their jobs?**

**A:** There exists a notable, albeit not predominant, profile of athletes who love training and the game itself but struggle with the surrounding environment, including fans, media, and agents. Many dislike the external noise of their profession.

**Q: Is there a fear of competition?**

**A:** Yes, fear of competition can indeed arise. This fear manifests when the challenges and pressures overwhelm an athlete, leading to doubts about their capabilities. We can further define what it means to compete.

**Q: Let’s start with that.**

**A:** To me, competition involves an emotional learning process that leads to optimal preparation. Being ready to compete means being equipped for the unexpected. Thus, it’s essential to manage pressure, challenges, and frustration well. Often, you find young athletes, aged 17 or 18, with great potential, but they only occasionally show it. Being prepared to compete means delivering your best performance consistently, regardless of the circumstances. This is what it means to know how to compete.

**Q: What characterizes an athlete who knows how to compete?**

**A:** A popular concept today is ‘flow.’ Everyone talks about it. Flow refers to a level of concentration such that one’s mind is fully immersed in the task. In this state, decisions come naturally, aligning with the essence of the task itself.

**Q: Playing without thinking?**

**A:** Indeed, playing without overthinking requires mental clarity. Particularly now that we understand brain function—processing information rapidly and accurately when fully focused. If an athlete’s mind is clouded with responsibility, fear of failure, or urgency, they struggle to play freely. It seems necessary to think to perform, which significantly hampers performance.

**Q: This occurs when we observe a player who appears liberated.**

**A:** Yes, they often express a sense of being ‘unleashed.’ When someone feels free, it indicates a clear mind, allowing them to achieve maximum concentration, which also enhances confidence, initiative, and boldness.

**Q: What signs indicate that a player may need psychological support?**

**A:** Observing a lack of attitude is a clear signal. An athlete seems flat, lethargic, clumsy, and inaccurate—these are observable traits. One might say, ‘He lacks attitude; he doesn’t run; he loses balls.’ This might exaggerate the issue, as what they are showcasing is a significantly low level, which typically stems from mental barriers.

**Q: Can someone be strong-willed yet emotionally weak?**

**A:** I need to clarify this point, as I’ve heard it often in sports. When someone claims to possess a strong character, it often means they display poor character traits instead. A truly strong character embodies resilience, calmness, and effective management of pressure and challenges. If someone displays fits of rage, they are demonstrating poor character.

**Q: Have you encountered professional locker rooms where teammates do not get along yet maintain excellent on-field relationships?**

**A:** In discussing relationships, we refer to internal cohesion. There are two types: social cohesion, relating to personal relationships and friendships, and task cohesion, which pertains to performance on the field. We work together to achieve a common goal, regardless of personal affinities. I recall a player who once told me, ‘José, we shouldn’t have to teach this in my country. Because—he said—I would run over that son of a gun with my car, but I want him on my team.’