Football.
It get’s watched, played and talked about for hours on end. Every week.
The quality of the players, the skill of the Managers, the size of the stadium, the decisions made by the ref…..and they’re all worthy of debate.
But the ONE THING that rarely gets talked about, the thing that (arguably) matters more than ANYTHING, is the biggest battle of all.
That’s the ‘MENTAL’ one.
No one sees mind-set, but of course, when you know what you are looking for, the signs are all there.
Trust me.
I’ve seen this from a distance, and up close and personal when coaching players and managers.
Here’s just 3 examples of how the invisible leads to the visible behaviour we ultimately see:
1. The managers dilemma/doubts about the players he’s put in the positions he has..if the team loses, whose fault it is?
2.The pressure the ref is under – put there by the high profile managers shouting from the sidelines and the screaming, abusive fans.
3. And the emotional turmoil many players feel about their performance before they even get onto the pitch. What if they play badly, what will that do to their reputation, profile and position in the team…?
Sure, there are sports psychologists around, but many don’t even scratch the surface of what lies beneath the mind of the people involved in the game. And often, it’s too late anyway.
Considering how much money is spent making our football happen, one of the biggest investments that can be made, and the one that WILL make the difference, is sadly lacking….and leads to the downfall of many a wonderful sportsman.
..Still, at least those who ARE doing it, have the advantage….
I’m not telling who.
Amana
Straightforward, straight talking (and confidential) coach.