‘We became a bit of a circus in terms of the whole WAG situation’. Rio Ferdinand, speaking frankly, about the chaotic England culture, under Sven Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren. It’s good that a senior England international, has finally had the courage to speak out, about one of the distracting influences, that has contributed to the serial under-performance, by the national side. It makes one wonder, though, why it is has taken so long, for this outbreak of honesty. Why were the senior England players not taking internal action, when the WAG circus began? Why did the players, not agree […]
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.
Football: Ashley Cole – Boo!
Following England’s 5-1 World Cup qualifying win over Kazakhstan, a lively debate has broken out, as to whether it is appropriate or not, for England fans to boo one of their own. It’s likely that there is a personal element, in the booing of Cole. Both his on the field, Mike Riley tantrums last season, and his protracted transfer to Chelsea, alienated many in the game. But, like the booing of Frank Lampard, and the negative reaction Steve McClaren’s team received, in the later days of his regime, it’s symptomatic of a dissatisfaction with the England team. It’s a dissatisfaction […]
Read More...Football: Glasgow Celtic – Away Day Blues
So, Glasgow Celtic go down again, away from home in the Champions League. Last nights defeat to Villareal, means that they have now taken, one point from a possible forty-eight, away from Fortress Parkhead. This must be more than a tactical problem. When a football club develops such a losing habit, then the test becomes a psychological one. So how does a team resolve such a dilemma. How do you develop a winning mindset away from home? Clubs often try to change their routine, when they encounter away form blues. For example, travelling down on the day of the game, […]
Read More...Football: Arsenal – The Team Code
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...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...