THE PROBLEM OF MAINTAINING CONCENTRATION BY ATHLETES DURINGADVANTAGE CONVERSION IN COMPETITIVE CHESS

Abstract

The study addresses the issue of maintaining concentration by athletes during the process of converting an advantage in competitive chess games. The relevance of this topic is determined by increasing competition in modern sports and the need for effective psychological strategies. The mainobjective of the research is to analyse the scientific discussion on the problem of concentration loss during competitive chess activity. The methods employed include theoretical literature analysis, system analysis of sports practices, synthesis of previous research findings, and case study analysis. It is established that this phenomenon is a critical challenge not only in chess but also in other individual sports. The study explores the experience of tennis coaches Allen Fox, Brad Gilbert, and Toni Nadal in applying psychological strategies and building appropriate mental frameworks. Contemporary approaches to addressing the issue, such as those presented in the works of Jan Markoš and Ramachandran Ramesh, are analysed. Additionally, the research highlights the physiological mechanisms underlying concentration loss through the lens of psychological, psychoanalytic, and neurophysiological theories. The article discusses the key causes of concentration loss, such as psychological pressure, dizziness from success, and the impact of winning positions on players’ psycho-emotional states. The historical context is explored, highlighting the contributions of Lasker, Tarrasch, and Alekhine, who first investigated this phenomenon from a psychological perspective. The findings indicate the necessity of individualised training for chess players, taking into account their temperament and nervous system. The issue of concentration loss is often linked to conditioned reflexes formed early in a player’s career. Interdisciplinary and systematic approaches are proposed to enhance the mental resilience of athletes.