Forward to the past: Puni's model of volitional preparation in sport

Abstract

In this paper, we examine the Soviet notion of volitional preparation through the lens used by the prominent sport psychologist Avksenty Cezarevich Puni (1898–1986). First, we provide an English translation of Puni's theoretical and practical tutorial on volitional preparation in sport. Then, we discuss how Puni's model was grounded in the socio‐political and cultural particularities of his era and suggest some ways it might be used to stimulate future research and theorizing on the development of mental toughness. Finally, we offer some possible applications of the model for practitioners in preparing athletes for the rigors of competition

Keywords:

• volitional preparation
• Soviet sport psychology
• Puni
• mental toughness