On Saturday morning, Arsenal’s players were given reminders of the team code, by their sports psychologist. One of the players, left the briefing document in his hotel room, and two days later, the ‘rules’ were all over the national papers. Some of the journalists described the document, as Arsene Wenger’s master plan. The critcal insight, that finally broke the sacred seal, on Wenger’s secret guide to success. In reality, it’s not like that. Wenger has clearly brought in a sports psychologist, to help strengthen the team dynamic. The document highlights key points and reminders, which the group have presumably, worked […]
Read More...Sports Psychology Blog
Welcome to the Sports Psychology blog. Here you will find insights on current sporting events, from the perspective of a sports psychologist.
The purpose of this blog, is to get inside the sporting drama…why the player or team do what they they do…their thinking…mindsets…attitudes…their fluctuating state of confidence…and all the other mental and emotional pieces that create the psychology of sports.
The most recent articles are at the top of the List Of Sports Psychology Blogs Index.
Golf: Ian Poulter – Disrespect Me!
When Nick Faldo chose Ian Poulter, as one of his two wild cards, the media, and the games opinion-formers, were scathing in their criticism of him. Poulter was said to be lucky to be selected, over the in-form Darren Clarke. It was also suggested, that he must of known, in advance of his selection, as he chose not to play in Scotland, to secure vital points, ahead of the event. All of which, proved perfect motivation for Poulter. With his natural self-confidence, he wasn’t likely to be phased, by the event, that is the Ryder Cup. But with some many […]
Read More...Golf: The United States – A Team Without Tiger
So the United States win back the Ryder Cup. A victory based on strong individual performances, a vibrant team ethic, and good clear leadership. Without the injured Tiger Woods, Azinger’s team were without the games, greatest ever player. But, they were better for it. Tiger’s absence meant that Phil Mickleson, could step out of the shadows. Sure, he lost again in the singles, but his mentoring of Anthony Kim, brought the very best out of Mickleson. Tiger has built a lot of his success, on the awe he has created around him. Players can be beaten by him, before they […]
Read More...Golf: Nick Faldo – Visualisation!
It’s three days before the beginning of the Ryder Cup, and Nick Faldo is busy preparing his troops. He is talking about his use of visualisation, and how to use visualisation, to prepare for that nerve jangling moment, on the first tee. Golfers rarely talk about their visualisation routines, but being mentally prepared for the first tee at the Ryder Cup, is critical. Visualisation works, because it creates the mental imagery, of the outcomes that you want. In other words, it attracts the future into the present. The clearer the picture, the more certainty that you create. So that when […]
Read More...Football: Sir Alex Ferguson – The Them!
‘He would never have done this for us’. The words of Sir Alex Ferguson, describing referees chief Keith Hackett, after John Terry’s red card was rescinded. With the Premier League and Champions League double, to defend this season, it’s critical that the United manager can find some edge. Edge, that will keep his players on their toes. Prevent complacency from setting in. The John Terry incident, provides the perfect early season opportunity for that. A chance to point the finger at the dark forces, conspiring against his team. The THEM. Those who would love to see Manchester United fail. Be […]
Read More...Tennis: Andy Murray – Breakthrough!
So Andy Murray is through to his first major final. The critics may point to the fact that Rafael Nadal’s demanding season, had drained him of some of his legendary potency. But Murray still had to beat the Wimbledon champion. And Nadal, was not going down without a fight. What was impressive about Murray, was that he had his emotions under control. Perhaps his Wimbledon quarter-final epic against Richard Gasquet, had been the critical turning point. Now, no longer having to fight the demons inside him. The Scotsman, appeared free to express himself, without fear of failure haunting him. Trusting […]
Read More...Tennis: Dinara Safina – Self Control
It’s the US Open Ladies Singles Semi-Final. Heavy winds are making conditions difficult, for both Serena Williams and Dinara Safina. And Safina is not making life easy for herself, or her tennis racket. The racket is getting a pummelling, as Safina lets out her frustration. Bounced the racket off the court, after nearly every mistake, the Russian is not only battling Serena, and the wind. She is fighting against herself, and her own high expectations. This was a US Open semi-final day, demanding calm and patience. You cannot fight such testing conditions with fire. Greater calm and patience, would have allowed Safina to […]
Read More...Athletics: Marilyn Okoro – The Moment
It’s the semi-final of the women’s 800m at the Birds Nest Stadium, Beijing. Britain’s Marilyn Okoro, is fancied to make it to the Olympic final. And as the race pans out, with 200m to go, she is perfectly placed to make her bid, for a final qualifying place. At 200m, the moment comes for her to go. It’s that moment. No other. The race is there for her. Right there. Assert herself, and make her mark on the race. But, she misses the moment. And the field has gone. At this level, its a fatal mistake. The moment calls for […]
Read More...Swimming: Michael Phelps – Finding Ways To Win
In a phenomenal finish, American Michael Phelps, tipped Serbia’s Milorad Cavic to the Olympic 100m butterfly gold medal. It was a race Phelps had no right to win. Cavic was a certain winner, right until the very last stroke. Then, the powerful will of Phelps, proved too much for the Serb. Phelps, did what all sporting greats, manage to do, in times of adversity. He found a way to win. Champions like Phelps, have a reservoir of positive successful memories to tap into. Memories that drive them. Inspires them. Builds irrevocable belief. You might not know how you will win. But […]
Read More...Diving: Tom Daley – Too Much Too Young?
It wasn’t long after Blake Aldridge and Tom Daley, were out of the diving pool that the recriminations began. Aldridge accused Daley of nerves and under-performance. Questions were asked of Aldridge’s focus, as he called his mother between dives. Insiders spoke of the body language between the British pair, being wrong. But all of this should come as no surprise. In the build up to these Olympics, it was as if Tom Daley had become the Wayne Rooney of diving. The child prodigy, waiting to take the world by storm. His face was frequently highlighted on the big screen during […]
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