"Rocky" is a 1976 sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen and written by Sylvester Stallone (Details, M. M. 2015), who also stars in the lead role. The movie follows Rocky Balboa, a struggling Italian-American boxer working as a debt collector in Philadelphia. His life takes a remarkable turn when he is offered a once-in-a-lifetime shot at the world heavyweight championship against Apollo Creed, the reigning champion. Throughout the film, Rocky undergoes rigorous training, forming a close bond with his trainer Mickey and developing a romantic relationship with Adrian, a shy pet store employee. The movie builds up to a thrilling and intense boxing match that challenges Rocky physically and emotionally. While Rocky ultimately loses the …show more content…
These skills and traits contribute to his success in the boxing ring and his personal growth as a character. One of the first mental skills Rocky goes through is a sense of resilience. Resilience in sports psychology refers to an athlete's ability to bounce back from hardship, cope with setbacks, and maintain their performance and well-being in the face of challenges. It is a crucial mental skill that helps athletes navigate the ups and downs of their sports careers. Rocky's commitment to his boxing training showcases his resilience. He pushes himself through intense workouts, including running through the streets of Philadelphia, practicing his boxing skills, and engaging in strength training exercises while also going through the ups and downs of being a debt collector. Rocky works as a debt collector for a local loan shark, a physically and emotionally demanding job, and he struggles to make ends meet and earn a living. Despite the challenging nature of his work, he continues to show up day after day, highlighting his ability to persevere through difficult …show more content…
Adaptability refers to an athlete's capacity to adjust and modify their approach, strategies, and behaviors in response to changing circumstances, unexpected situations, or varying opponents. It is an essential skill that allows athletes to thrive in dynamic and unpredictable environments, such as sports competitions. Rocky faces unexpected changes throughout the movie, such as his evolving relationship with Adrian and the sudden opportunity to fight Apollo Creed. He adapts to these changing circumstances and remains open to new experiences. When Rocky starts training seriously for his match against Apollo Creed, he adapts his training methods based on feedback from his trainer, Mickey. He learns and incorporates new techniques, such as improving his footwork and punching accuracy. Rocky initially starts his training with the intention of simply going the distance in the fight against Apollo Creed. However, as the fight approaches and his confidence grows, he adapts his mindset not just to go the distance but to win the fight. While Rocky's adaptability is not as explicitly highlighted as his resilience and determination, there are subtle instances where he showcases the ability to adjust and respond to changing situations. As the "Rocky" series progresses, adaptability becomes more evident in his character development and his approach to facing different challenges in the boxing