


s.f.e.r.a.©
model
"Being in the sphere of peak performance allows each of us to experience perfect synchronicity with the world, with others, with our activity, and with the present moment in a harmonious fusion where the inner self connects with the outer world, the body aligns with the mind, and reality merges with the dream."​
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Giuseppe Vercelli - Vincere con la Mente
what is it?
In the world of human performance—whether in sports, arts, or professional fields—achieving excellence is never accidental. The S.F.E.R.A. model, developed by Prof. Giuseppe Vercelli and the Sports and Human Performance Psychology Unit at the University of Turin, is an analytical and optimization framework based on five key factors that help analyze and maximize individual performance: Synchrony, Strength, Energy, Rhythm, and Activation. This multidimensional model, applicable not only to sports but also to business and the performing arts, has been successfully tested on hundreds of professional athletes and performers (Mazzon et al., 2023).
The five factors that make up the S.F.E.R.A. acronym are the pillars on which successful performance is built. They allow anyone, from athletes to musicians, to improve their ability to manage psychophysical resources in high-stress situations. Initially applied in sports, this model is now used in other fields where individual performance is critical.
SYNCHRONY
Being fully present and in perfect harmony between mind and body. Synchrony allows you to enter the "flow" of performance, minimizing distractions and boosting your efficiency.
FORCE
Awareness of your artistic, technical, physical, and mental resources. Knowing your strengths gives you the confidence needed to face any challenge with assurance.
ENERGY
Optimal management of artistic, physical, and mental energy to avoid burnout, fatigue, and maintain peak performance. Knowing how to balance your resources enables you to stay focused and motivated for longer periods
RYTHM
Rhythm is the ability to coordinate and manage your actions in a smooth and effective way. It allows you to adapt to changes and maintain control over your performance, enhancing fluidity and preventing energy waste.
ACTIVATION
The motivation and passion that drive your performance. Activation is what pushes you to give your best and exceed your limits, keeping your determination high.
UNIVERSAL APPLICATIONS
The S.F.E.R.A. model was initially developed in a sports context, but its applications extend far beyond athletics. Studies have shown that the same psychological principles governing the optimization of sports performance can be applied to other coaching fields such as performing arts, business, and even interpersonal relationships (Mazzon et al., 2023). Performers, musicians, and corporate professionals can benefit from this systematic approach to better manage stress, increase self-awareness, and optimize their performance in high-pressure environments (Biasutti, 2017).

references
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Biasutti, M. (2017). Flow and optimal experience in elite musicians and top athletes. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 698.
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Caputo, A., Drivet, S., Sandretto, R., Vercelli, G., & Cortese, C. G. (2023). The e-S.F.E.R.A. Questionnaire: A new tool for sport psychologists working in mental training. The Open Psychology Journal, 16, 1–13.
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Mazzon, L., Passarotto, E., Altenmüller, E., & Vercelli, G. (2023). Music performance anxiety and the Italian sport psychology S.F.E.R.A. model. Psychology of Music, 1–18.
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Vercelli, G. Vincere con la mente. (2009). Ponte alle Grazie
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