The Sports Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog comes as Darlington boss Dave Penney, concedes that a lack of promotion achievers in his team, is threatening The Quakers promotion chances.
Football: Darlington - The Quiet Suppression
'I thought that I had enough leaders and characters in there, but, right now, we haven't. It's a quiet changing room. There's pressure to succeed and they've got to thrive on this'. The words of Darlington boss, Dave Penney, as he sums up the problems impacting on The Quakers promotions chances. Penney goes on to say, that he brought leaders into the club in the summer, but none of these leaders have ever experienced a promotion.
So what can Dave Penney do to resolve this problem? The first issue, to is to understand why the dressing room has gone quiet. This is probably because, the players are feeling the pressure of not wanting to let the expectant fans down. This pressure quietly builds, until it becomes a Quiet Suppression upon the dressing room. Each setback in the promotion battle, increases the pressure.
The manager must discuss this issue directly with the players. What are we frightened of? Why are we letting this fear get to us? The players may never have achieved a promotion, but they must have won cups and leagues with other clubs. Even at school-boy level. What did those players do, to overcome the pressure then?
Dave Penney and the players would also be wise to look back at their season. What are all the things that we have done well? Where have we overcome adversity? What are the magic moments from the season? Where have we shown our mental strength?
They could also discuss why they actually want to get promoted. What it would mean to them individually and collectively. Their families and friends. Also, they could invite some fans into the dressing room, to tell of their hopes for the team. All to raise the emotional bar, and to get the players talking again. When the players start talking, the Quiet Suppression diminishes, fears are allayed and confidence rebuilt.
This time of the season, is the true test of a team's mental strength. As a manager, you cannot simply hope that your team have it. You have to know they have it. Dave Penney's job right now, is to build that sense of certainty.
