Análisis psicológico y estrategias de intervención para el rendimiento deportivo en un lanzador juvenil de béisbol J. Law Epistemic Stud. (July - December 2023) 1(2): 14-19 https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14280629 ISSN: XXXX-XXXX CASE STUDY Psychological analysis and intervention strategies for sports performance in a youth baseball pitcher  Maybel Matos maybel255@gmail.com Universidad de Córdoba, España. Received: 9 April 2023 / Accepted: 6 June 2023 / Published online: 5 July 2023 © The Author(s) 2023 Maybel Matos Abstract The study analyzed the psychological profile of a youth pitcher from the Sancti Spíritus, Cuba baseball team, aiming to identify his psychological strengths and weakness- es and design intervention strategies to optimize his sports performance and overall development. A single-case ap- proach was used, applying validated tools such as the Eysen- ck Personality Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Sports Motivation Test, and the Volitional Qualities Test, complemented by interviews, direct observation, and pro- jective techniques. Results indicated emotional stability and strength volitional qualities but revealed deficiencies in com- petitive aggressiveness and diversification of personal inter- ests. The positive relationship with the coach was identified as a protective factor, although strengthening team cohesion was recommended. The study highlighted the importance of psychological assessment to enhance performance and fos- ter the holistic development of young athletes, emphasizing the need for personalized interventions addressing both indi- vidual aspects and group dynamics. Despite its limitations, such as focusing exclusively on one participant, the findings provided a solid basis for future research and applications in youth sports psychology. Keywords sports psychology, psychological assessment, youth athletes, sports performance, personalized interven- tions. Resumen El estudio analizó el perfil psicológico de un lan- zador juvenil del equipo de béisbol de Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, con el objetivo de identificar sus fortalezas y debilidades psi- cológicas y diseñar estrategias de intervención para optimi- zar su rendimiento deportivo y desarrollo integral. Se utilizó un enfoque de caso único, aplicando instrumentos validados como el Inventario de Personalidad de Eysenck, el Inventa- rio de Ansiedad Estado-Rasgo, el Test de Motivos Deporti- vos y el Test de Cualidades Volitivas, complementados con entrevistas, observación directa y técnicas proyectivas. Los resultados indicaron estabilidad emocional y cualidades vo- litivas destacadas, pero evidenciaron deficiencias en agresi- vidad competitiva y diversificación de intereses personales. La relación positiva con el entrenador se identificó como un factor protector, aunque se recomendó fortalecer la cohesión grupal. El estudio subrayó la importancia de la evaluación psicológica como herramienta para potenciar el rendimiento y fomentar el desarrollo integral de los atletas juveniles, des- tacando la necesidad de intervenciones personalizadas que aborden tanto aspectos individuales como dinámicas grupa- les. A pesar de sus limitaciones, como el enfoque exclusivo en un participante, los hallazgos proporcionaron una base só- lida para futuras investigaciones y aplicaciones en el ámbito de la psicología del deporte juvenil. Palabras clave psicología del deporte, evaluación psicoló- gica, atletas juveniles, rendimiento deportivo, intervenciones personalizadas. How to cite Matos, M. (2023). Psychological analysis and intervention strategies for sports performance in a youth baseball pitcher. Journal of Law and Epistemic Studies, 1(2), 14-19. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14280629

J. Law Epistemic Stud. (July - December 2023) 1(2): 14-19 15 Introduction Sports psychology has evolved significantly in recent de- cades, consolidating itself as an essential discipline for the comprehensive development of athletes (Martínez et al., 2021). It is not limited solely to improving physical perfor- mance but also encompasses critical aspects such as moti- vation, emotional self-regulation, pressure management, and group cohesion (Weinberg & Gould, 2020). In youth sports, the importance of psychological intervention is even more evident, as young athletes face particular challenges related to their personal, social, and competitive development (Bui- trago, 2020). Several recent studies have highlighted the positive impact of psychological strategies on sports performance (Asen- sio-Hernández & Martín, 2022; Sánchez-Romero, 2021). Implementing psychological training programs strengthens key skills such as concentration, resilience, and decision-ma- king under pressure. Likewise, research by Sánchez-Rome- ro (2021) indicates that interdisciplinary approaches, which combine psychology with technical preparation, are crucial to maximizing the potential of youth athletes (Rodríguez & Muñoz, 2023). The case in question occurs in a highly competitive sport such as baseball, where the interaction between physical, technical, and psychological factors is decisive for success. Particularly in this discipline, the capacity for emotional self-regulation and the ability to maintain concentration is fundamental, given that pitchers face high levels of pressure and require precise control of their actions in fractions of a second (del Monte, 2020). This article addresses the psychological evaluation of a pitcher from the youth baseball team of Sancti Spíritus, Cuba. This study analyzes the athlete’s personality characte- ristics that influence his performance during the competition stage. The main objectives include identifying his psycholo- gical strengths and weaknesses and designing personalized intervention strategies that optimize his mental preparation for sport. The main objective is to explore how psychological varia- bles, such as motivation, emotional regulation, and volitio- nal qualities, impact the athlete’s competitive performance. Through detailed analysis and standardized techniques, the aim is to provide practical tools that favor their comprehen- sive development in the sports field. The psychological assessment was carried out using a se- ries of standardized techniques, including the Eysenck Per- sonality Inventory, the Butt Sport Motives Test, and the Sta- te-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)—these tools allowed for a comprehensive diagnosis of the athlete, identifying his stren- gths and improvement areas. The results provide a detailed view of his psychological profile and lay the foundation for future interventions to strengthen his performance. This work highlights the relevance of psychology in youth sports, not only as a means to achieve sporting achievements but also as a tool for young people’s personal and social de- velopment. It also highlights the need to adopt personalized approaches that consider the particularities of each athlete, thus facilitating their comprehensive growth on and off the field of play. The importance of psychological assessment in youth sports lies not only in improving competitive performance but also in its influence on the comprehensive development of athletes. Being in a training stage, youth athletes face various challenges beyond the playing field. These include constructing their identity, managing external pressure, and interacting with their social environment, which is directly influenced by their psychological and emotional state (Saba- rit et al., 2022 ). In this sense, the role of the sports psycho- logist becomes fundamental when implementing strategies that promote resilience, stress management, and intrinsic motivation (Díaz, 2022). Furthermore, baseball, as a strategic and high-precision sport, demands specific psychological skills. The ability to make decisions under pressure, manage frustration in the face of mistakes, and sustain concentration are essential qua- lities that distinguish successful pitchers. Recent studies by Ríos-Garit et al. (2021) point out that pitchers face signifi- cant emotional and cognitive overload, especially during cri- tical moments of games, highlighting the need for adequate psychological preparation. This type of training contributes to improved sports performance and reduces the risk of bur- nout and stress-related injuries. Finally, it is crucial to highlight the impact of interpersonal relationships in the sports context, especially between athle- tes and their coaches. According to recent research, the qua- lity of these relationships can significantly influence athletes’ motivation and commitment (Moya, 2021). An environment of trust and support facilitates the development of effective group cohesion, which is indispensable in team sports such as baseball. In this case, the study seeks to explore the re- lational dynamics of the athlete with his environment, eva- luating how these interactions affect his performance and general well-being. Sports psychology optimizes athletes’ performance by addressing essential psychological components such as mo- tivation, concentration, emotional self-regulation, and inter- personal relationships. These dimensions are especially re- levant to youth athletes, who face the physical and technical demands of sport and undergo processes of personal, social, and cognitive development (Sabarit et al., 2022 ). This stage of training requires specific interventions that consider the athlete’s internal factors and the dynamics of their environ- ment.

J. Law Epistemic Stud. (July - December 2023) 1(2): 14-19 16 Personality is a key dimension in the psychological analy- sis of athletes, especially in disciplines such as baseball, where pressure and quick decision-making are constant. Eysenck’s personality model, used in this study, allows us to identify traits such as emotional stability and introversion that are decisive for managing competitive stress. According to Ríos-Garit et al. (2021), athletes with phlegmatic tempera- ments tend to be more emotionally balanced but may requi- re additional strategies to increase their aggressiveness and competitiveness in the game. The evaluated pitcher’s results on the Eysenck Personality Inventory reflect a high level of emotional stability, which allows him to remain calm in pressure situations. However, the low aggressiveness identified suggests a need to work on his response to competitive challenges. This is consistent with studies indicating that controlled aggressiveness is in- dispensable for high-precision sports (del Monte, 2020). Motivation in sports is commonly divided into two dimen- sions: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation, related to personal satisfaction and self-realization, is especially relevant in youth athletes, as it fosters their long-term com- mitment (Asensio-Hernández & Martín, 2022). The Sports Motives Test used in this study identified a high intrinsic motivation in the athlete, focused on achievement and coo- peration, but showed deficiencies in areas such as rivalry and aggression, which are essential to compete effectively in a sport such as baseball. Furthermore, volitional qualities, assessed through the Vo- litional Qualities Test, highlight perseverance, self-control, and fighting spirit. According to Paredes (2021), these quali- ties improve performance and contribute to developing skills to overcome adversity. In this case, the athlete demonstrated adequate volitional development, but it was recommended that specific areas be strengthened through visualization and competitive simulation techniques. The impact of interpersonal relationships on sports perfor- mance has been widely studied. According to Moya (2021), a positive relationship between coach and athlete fosters trust, motivation, and learning. In this case, the evaluation identified a satisfactory relationship between the pitcher and his coach, constituting a protective factor for his performan- ce. However, group dynamics within the team are also re- levant. Research suggests that group cohesion can enhance performance by promoting a sense of belonging and mutual support (Buitrago, 2020). Methodology The present study employed a single-case design, focu- sing on the psychological assessment of a youth pitcher from Sancti Spíritus, Cuba baseball team. This approach allowed for a detailed analysis of the participant’s psychological characteristics, volitional skills, and interpersonal dynamics to identify his psychological strengths and weaknesses in sports. The participant is a 16-year-old male athlete, identified by the initials APP, in the competitive stage of his career as a pitcher in the youth category. A pre-university student, he does not report any significant personal pathological history, although his family environment reports a history of bron- chial asthma in his father. The young man lives in a func- tional family environment and has emotional and logistical support from his mother and brother. His primary motivation is to achieve sporting achievements, such as representing his team in national and international competitions, although he shows a limited diversification of personal interests beyond baseball. Various validated psychological tools, such as the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI), were used to obtain a compre- hensive participant assessment. It allowed the analysis of personality traits such as introversion/extroversion and emo- tional stability. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-IDA- RE): It assessed anxiety levels as a transitory state and a stable personality trait, providing insight into their ability to handle competitive pressure. Butt’s Sport Motives Test: Measures motivation in five key dimensions: sufficiency, ri- valry, cooperation, aggressiveness and conflict. CR Núñez Volitional Qualities Test: He analyzed aspects such as perse- verance, self-control, and fighting spirit, which are relevant to sports preparation. Interpersonal Relationships Test with the Coach: He/she evaluated the relationship quality between the athlete and his/her coach in three dimensions: cognitive, affective, and behavioral. D. González Serra’s 10 Wishes Technique: He/ she identified the participant’s needs, aspirations, and per- sonal conflicts, providing information on his/her intrinsic motivation. Direct observation: He/she recorded behaviors, attitudes, and emotional responses during the work sessions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the partici- pant and his/her coach to complement the quantitative data with qualitative information. The evaluation process was carried out in three sessions over one month. First session: Rapport was established with the athlete, and his personality was initially assessed. The Eysenck Persona- lity Inventory and a semi-structured interview were applied to explore general psychological characteristics and back- ground. Second session: Cognitive, affective, and motivational processes were assessed by applying the State-Trait Anxie- ty Inventory (STAI) and the Sports Motives Test. In addi- tion, the athlete’s attitudes were recorded during the session through observation.

J. Law Epistemic Stud. (July - December 2023) 1(2): 14-19 17 Third session: Volitional qualities, interpersonal relations- hips, and specific motivations were analyzed. The Volitional Qualities Test, the Interpersonal Relationships Test with the Coach, and the 10 Wishes Technique were applied in this session. The latter allowed the identification of conflicts and aspirations that had not been explored in previous sessions. The information obtained through these tools and techni- ques was organized and analyzed to generate a detailed psy- chological profile of the participant. This profile allowed for identifying strengths and areas for improvement, guiding the design of intervention strategies focused on optimizing their sports performance and comprehensive development. Results and discussion The young pitcher’s psychological assessment allowed us to identify a comprehensive profile of his psychological characteristics, highlighting both strengths and areas for im- provement. The most relevant findings are summarized be- low, followed by a discussion based on the theoretical frame- work and recent literature. Table 1 presents the results of the psychological evaluation of the youth athlete. The results of the Eysenck Personality Inventory indicated that the athlete has a phlegmatic temperament characterized by emotional stability, balance, and self-regulation capacity. Although he presents traits of introversion, his social adap- tation in the sports field is adequate. This emotional stability is one of his main strengths since it allows him to handle competitive pressure effectively, as demonstrated by his low score in anxiety as a state and moderate as a trait, assessed by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-IDARE). This supports studies such as Ríos-Garit et al. (2021), highlight- ing the importance of emotional regulation in sports perfor- mance. Regarding motivation, the Sports Motives Test showed a strong inclination towards cooperation and sufficiency. However, it evidenced low rivalry and aggressiveness, fun- damental to responding to competition demands in sports such as baseball. Although the athlete has a high intrinsic motivation, this imbalance limits his competitiveness in high-pressure contexts. This coincides with the approaches of Gómez et al. (2021), which underlines the importance of these dimensions in high-performance sports. As for volitional qualities, the Volitional Qualities Test highlighted high levels of perseverance, determination, and self-control, which demonstrates his ability to overcome ad- versity and maintain focus on his sporting goals. However, the 10 Wishes Technique revealed a strong orientation to- wards specific sporting achievements, with a limited diversi- fication of personal interests, which could represent a risk of emotional dependence on sporting success. The positive relationship with their coach, assessed by the Interpersonal Relationships with the Coach Test, is a key protective factor in their sporting development. Based on trust and mutual respect, this relationship fosters their in- Table 1. Results of the psychological evaluation of the youth athlete Technique Evaluated dimension Quantitative result Qualitative result Eysenck personality inventory Introversion/extroversion and emotional stability Extroversion: 12 Neuroticism: 9 Phlegmatic temperament, with emotional stability and slight traits of introversion. State-trait anxiety inventory (STAI- IDARE) Anxiety as a trait and state Trait: 30 (Medium) Status: 29 (Low) Moderate anxiety that is manageable in sports contexts. Sports motives test (Butt) Motivation in five dimensions Total: 13 High cooperation and sufficiency, low rivalry and aggressiveness, medium general motivation. Volitional qualities test (CR Núñez) Perseverance, self-control and fighting spirit Total: 70 High level of volitional qualities, highlighting perseverance and determination. Interpersonal relationships test with the coach Quality of the relationship Cognitive: 6, Affective: 6, Behavioral: 8 Positive relationships are based on trust and mutual respect. 10 Wishes technique Personal aspirations and conflicts - Desires focused on sporting achievements; limited diversification of personal motivations. Direct observation Behavior and emotional responses - Initially serious and reserved, he became collaborative and reflective in later sessions.

J. Law Epistemic Stud. (July - December 2023) 1(2): 14-19 18 trinsic motivation and provides an environment conducive to learning. This reinforces what Moya (2021) has stated, high- lighting the coach’s importance as a mediator of emotional well-being and performance in youth sports. Interpretation and Limitations The findings confirm the relevance of the psychological dimensions assessed for the athlete’s sporting performance. Emotional stability and volitional qualities emerge as sig- nificant strengths, while low competitive aggressiveness and limited diversification of personal interests are critical areas to work on. These results contribute to a comprehensive analysis of the case and emphasize the need for personalized interventions that address these areas of improvement. Despite progress, the study has limitations, such as the ex- clusive focus on the psychological dimension without con- sidering technical or physical aspects of training. In addition, the analysis focuses on a single participant, which limits the generalizability of the results. However, this single-case ap- proach allows a deeper understanding of the interactions be- tween psychological characteristics and the athlete’s social and sporting context. This study highlights the importance of psychological as- sessment in youth sports and underscores the need for strat- egies that integrate psychological, social, and technical di- mensions. Implementing interventions aimed at improving competitive aggressiveness, diversifying personal motiva- tions, and strengthening group dynamics could enhance the athletes’ performance and contribute to their comprehensive development on and off the sports field. Conclusions The psychological evaluation of the young pitcher of the Sancti Spíritus baseball team allowed us to identify a compre- hensive profile that highlights key strengths, such as emotio- nal stability and volitional qualities, and areas for improve- ment related to competitive aggressiveness and diversifying personal motivations. These dimensions directly impact his sporting performance and comprehensive development as an athlete. In terms of personality, the participant’s phlegma- tic temperament and emotional stability allow him to hand- le competitive pressure situations, maintaining balance and self-regulation. However, low rivalry and aggressiveness re- flect a limited response to competitive challenges, highligh- ting the need for interventions that stimulate these qualities essential to his sporting discipline. The positive relationship with their coach was a protective factor in their emotional and sporting development. This bond fosters trust and mu- tual respect, essential elements for the athlete’s growth wi- thin the team. However, strategies promoting more effective group cohesion could benefit broader group dynamics and peer relationships. The main practical implications of this study underline the importance of integrating sport psycho- logy into the daily training of youth athletes. Specifically, personalized programs that work on controlled aggression and rivalry in competition and activities that stimulate the diversification of personal interests and the strengthening of interpersonal relationships within the team should be imple- mented. Finally, this study highlights the relevance of psy- chological assessment in youth sports to optimize competi- tive performance and promote the athlete’s comprehensive development. 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