What happens in the athlete's brain at the moment of the decisive hit? Why do some faint from fear while others give 120%? Sports neurobiology is the science of how the brain controls the body and how training changes the brain. In 2026, this field is experiencing a boom: "smart" helmets, neurointerfaces, biofeedback training. We tell you how sport is structured from the perspective of neurons. The Athlete's Brain: What's Special The brain of a professional athlete differs from that of an average person. It has a more developed cerebellum (responsible for coordination and balance) and motor cortex (planning movements). For example, tennis players have a higher density of gray matter in the zones responsible for hand movements. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change under the influence of experience. When an athlete trains, his neurons create new connections. The more repetitions, the stronger the connection. Therefore, professionals do not think about each hit - it happens automatically. This is called "motor learning". Basal ganglia are brain structures responsible for habits. If an athlete has brought a throw to automatism, it is controlled by the basal ganglia, not the cortex. This saves energy. Interestingly, the athlete's brain is less afraid of mistakes. The activity of the amygdala (the center of fear) is reduced. An error is perceived as data for learning, not as a catastrophe. How Neurobiology Helps to Win Neurofeedback is training using EEG (electroencephalogram) sensors. The athlete wears a helmet, looks at the screen. When his brain emits alpha waves (calmness), the screen shows green. When beta waves (excitement) - red. This teaches to relax on command. Used by biathletes, shooters, golfers. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is the effect of a magnetic field on certain brain areas. It enhances motor skills, reduces pain. Experimentally applied to footballers and athletes. Visualization - the athlete repeatedly represents the ideal mov ... Read more