Developing a footballer's mentality
Shouldn't Spurs be developing a footballer's mentality?
Spurs played a pre-season game in Australia, the first training game of the season where Postecoglou says he has not been working on the defence yet, but only play going forward and working on changing the mentality.
What happens on Twitter, now X, after a higher encouraging performance?
The agenda-driven slagging off the defence, slagging off Daniel Levy, slagging off anything they can think of rather than look at the many many positives in the game.
This is the epitomy of a failure mentality, of fans who don't deserve anything, of fans who don't listen to or follow the manager's advice, who are hell bent on destruction rather than helping to create a positive vibe surrounding the club, which would thus then get transferred to the media, the club and results.
Their actions show they don't want Tottenham to win, despite their fake claims.
Like I said in a previous article, they are not ambitious.
While we are discussing mentality, let's look at developing a footballer's mentality as that is something essential to success and somewhere Tottenham have failed.
Obviously, they need to listen to my advice a bit more, well now that we have a boss who thinks the way I do!
Before I delve into the article, let me pick up on one thing Postecoglou has said that again, will have gone over the head of many.
One of the things he wants to change is HOW WE TALK.
What does he mean by that?
It isn't just about the messages he and the players give to the media, they'll all be asked to sing from the same hymn sheet, no, it's about how you talk to colleagues and more importantly, how you talk to yourself.
Your mental process dictates you.
How we talk to ourselves is vital because our internal dialogue shapes our self-perception, emotions, and actions. Positive self-talk boosts confidence, resilience, and mental well-being, while negative self-talk can lead to self-doubt, anxiety and hinder personal growth.
So as a supporter, if you are slagging off a player or your club, how exactly is that going to help improve them.
You are merely making matters worse.
That is the time they need support, reassurance, to regain confidence and grow again.
Being mindful of our inner voice empowers us to build a healthier and more constructive relationship with ourselves, fostering a positive outlook on life and achieving our goals.
That rubs off on others.
If there are negative people around, cut them out, they are an unhealthy cancer.
Posting negative tweets
Posting negative tweets about the chairman and players of the club you profess to support has implications.
Impact on morale
Negative tweets can demoralize both the players and creates a toxic atmosphere that may affect their confidence and performance on and off the field.
Division among fans
Publicly criticizing the club's leadership and players can divide the fanbase, leading to conflicts and undermining the sense of unity and support that should be present and indeed is needed to bring success quicker.
Reputation damage
Constantly posting negative tweets about the club can damage its reputation and may deter potential sponsors, players, and supporters.
More than that though, it causes the media to have a negative outlook about the club and thus always look for the negative angle to write about, the opposite of what's needed to bring success quicker.
Lack of constructive feedback
While constructive criticism can be helpful for improvement, constant negativity offers no constructive solutions and fails to address issues in a productive manner.
Impact on player mindset
Negative tweets can and do reach players (as many have said), affecting their mental state, and potentially leading to a strained relationship between them and the fans.
As Bale, Trippier and others have said, (Johnson recently deleted his Instagram account) it has a very detrimental impact on their confidence and as a result their performance.
Confident players expect everything they try to come off, but players lacking confidence expect it to go wrong.
It's the positive fan vs the negative fan syndrome again.
One is happy, one is not, one can succeed, one can't.
Unproductive environment
Instead of fostering a positive and supportive environment, negative tweets can and do create hostility and hinder the club's progress.
Posting negative tweets about the chairman and players of the club you profess to support can have far-reaching consequences, impacting the team's performance, fan dynamics, and overall club reputation.
Constructive feedback and support are more beneficial for the club's growth and success.
Developing a footballer's mentality
Developing a footballer's mentality is a comprehensive process that can greatly benefit from the involvement of a sports psychologist (perhaps Spurs need 2 or 3).
Below I'll detail a plan that integrates the use of a sports psychologist to train and enhance the mentality of a footballer.
Initial Assessment
Begin by conducting an initial assessment to understand the player's current mentality, strengths, areas of improvement, and specific goals. The sports psychologist can use various psychological assessments, interviews, and observations to gain insights into the player's mindset.
Goal Setting
Collaboratively set short-term and long-term goals with the player to establish a clear direction for their mental development. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
The sports psychologist can guide the player in setting realistic targets that focus on mindset-related aspects such as focus, confidence, resilience, and emotional control.
Individual Sessions
Conduct regular individual sessions between the player and the sports psychologist. These sessions provide a safe space for the player to discuss their challenges, experiences, and emotions.
The sports psychologist can employ various techniques, including cognitive-behavioral strategies, visualization, mindfulness, and goal-setting exercises, to address specific areas of mental development.
Psychological Skills Training
Incorporate psychological skills training into the player's routine to enhance their mental resilience and performance. This may include techniques such as visualization, positive self-talk, relaxation exercises, and attentional focus strategies.
The sports psychologist can work closely with the player to teach and reinforce these skills, enabling them to effectively manage pressure, setbacks, and maintain focus during matches.
Cognitive Restructuring
Help the player identify and challenge negative or unhelpful thought patterns that may hinder their performance or mental well-being. The sports psychologist can guide the player through cognitive restructuring exercises to replace negative thoughts with positive and constructive ones.
This process helps develop a more optimistic and solution-oriented mindset.
Emotional Regulation
Assist the player in developing emotional regulation strategies to manage emotions such as anxiety, frustration, and stress.
The sports psychologist can teach techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness exercises to help the player stay composed and maintain emotional control in high-pressure situations.
Performance Evaluation and Feedback
Regularly evaluate the player's performance and provide constructive feedback.
The sports psychologist can collaborate with the coaching staff to assess the player's mental progress, identifying areas of improvement and recognizing achievements.
Constructive feedback helps reinforce positive mental habits and provides direction for further growth.
Integration with Coaching Staff
Facilitate collaboration between the sports psychologist, coaching staff, and player.
The sports psychologist can work closely with the coaching staff to align mental development strategies with the team's overall training program.
This integration ensures that mental skills training is integrated seamlessly into the player's technical, tactical, and physical training.
Continued Support and Maintenance
Provide ongoing support and periodic check-ins even after the player has made significant progress.
Mental training is an ongoing process, and the sports psychologist can help the player maintain their mental skills, address new challenges, and fine-tune their mindset as they progress in their career.
By following this plan, incorporating the expertise of a sports psychologist, and maintaining consistent communication and collaboration, any footballer can enhance their mental resilience, focus, confidence, and overall well-being.
Developing a strong and adaptable mentality contributes significantly to their performance on the field and helps them navigate the challenges of professional football effectively.
It is about time football recognized this ans I again call for Spurs tp lead the way and become 'the club' to go to if a player wants to improve his mentality to be the best player he can be.
COYS
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