Significado de ser jogador de vôlei em fase de transição de carreira

Abstract

The objective of this study is to assess the meaning of being that a volleyball player for the under-19 players who are experiencing a transition in their in career. Sixteen male players aged 17 and 18 were evaluated, by being asked the triggering question "What does being a volleyba ll player mean to you?" The analysis of the discourses was carried out according to the procedures recommended by Miles & Huberman (2004). Four response categories resulted: psychoemotional and behavioral skills, emotions in sport, recognition and financial return, skills as an athlete/player. The athletes showed that the meaning of sport lies especially in the passion for practice, but also, in the improving of their tactics and techniques, in the development of psychoemotional and behavioral skills, in the professional recognition and, to a lesser degree, in the financial aspect. Most athletes state they intend to continue in the juvenile sports categories, therefore, understanding the meaning of this activity in their life can be the key to the elaboratio n of a plan of psychological preparation whose aim is to provide support to their needs in this moment of professional choice.