Prof. Dr. Hackfort

Testing and training are interlinked, especially when it comes to optimization. When selecting or configuring tests, the aim is to generate data and information relating generally to intervention and specifically to training. In training the need is to evaluate and monitor impacts and outcomes in terms of process and results. The Mental Test and Training System (MTTS) that I have designed on the basis of action theory and that is being developed with contributions from colleagues and international cooperation partners and realized in collaboration with Schuhfried is therefore a combination of assessment and intervention tools.

See in this regard:

Hackfort, D., Kilgallen, C. & Hao, L. (2009). The action theory-based Mental Test and Training System (MTTS). In E. Tsung-Min Hung, R. Lidor & D. Hackfort (Eds.), Psychology of sport excellence (pp. 9-14). Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology.

Hackfort, D. (2017). The strategies and methods for working with professional motor racing drivers. In R. J. Schinke & D. Hackfort (Eds.), Psychology in professional sports and the performing arts: challenges and strategies (pp. 114-126). London: Routledge.

Profile:
Prof. Dr. Dieter Hackfort is internationally known as an expert in the fields of sport and performance psychology and worked at universities in Tampa (USA), Heidelberg, Munich and Doha (Qatar) until his retirement. He is currently involved in the performance epidemiology research group at the German Sport University. He has received several awards for his work, which has been documented in 35 books and edited volumes as well as in more than 250 individual articles, including the Science Award of the German Sports Federation and the ISSP Distinguished International Sport Psychologist Award from the International Society for Sport Psychology. He was awarded an honorary professorship by Hubai University (China). He was Chairman of the German Working Group for Sport Psychology (asp) from 1989 to 1993, President of the ISSP from 2005 to 2009 and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology for 12 years. In addition to his research and teaching activities, he has been involved in counselling and coaching professional athletes, including in motor sports such as Formula 1, as well as Olympic athletes in various sports.

Interview:

What was the aim in designing the test system?
The basic aim was to develop a tool for testing and training a dimension that is relevant in a variety of action areas and activities. Specifically we wanted to operationalize the processes of (cognitive) decision-making and (motor) response differentially in order to identify differential starting points for training. It was important to do this in relation to movement.

What was the greatest challenge in developing your tests?
Designing the test task and the course of the test in such a way that both implementation of the test concept and the basis for data interpretation can be judged to be appropriate.

For what target group were the tests developed?
Initially for aspiring young sportspeople and those in the elite group, but then also for individuals who can be helped by the identification of disorders or weaknesses in this field and the application of specific training.

What are the special features of the tests?
The basing of the test task on movement and the differential assessment of the ability parameters.

How to you see tests developing in the future? What aspects of this are you particularly interested in?
The variation of test tasks (in tests that in principle exist already) for the purpose of developing or refining their relation to action and their ecological validity, combined with developing test instruments or configurations into training instruments or configurations, for example, the combination of MDT and biofeedback.