209 How To Create Better Decision Makers On The Football Pitch

Mental toughness development is all about helping people deal with pressure better.  In general, you'll see sports psychology practitioners advocate psychological skills training to create better decision makers in this regards.   Our toolkit includes visualisation, cognitive restructuring, strategic goal setting, relaxation and sports hypnosis.   In today's episode however I introduce a relatively new concept, cognitive skills training where Felix Lehmann, a UEFA B Certified Football Coach and co-founder of Cognigoals discusses how our brains can be trained systematically.  We discuss 3 main elements to cognitive skills training; authentic two-footedness, game intelligence and creativity.  Enjoy tuning in!   Key Learning Points: When there's pressure on football players from opponents, with little space or time, players use their strong foot because it feels better, cognitive training seeks to change this. We help create new comfort zones for the weak foot with systematic training. Game intelligence in football describes the ability to act appropriately and generate optimal solutions in different game situations. If a football players cognitive flexibility has improved, as well as their inhibitory control and working memory, they will be able to perceive and process information a lot quicker. Self-awareness is critical for players, "as a coach I want football players to be able to observe themselves better." Adaptability is a secret weapon for football players, every game situation is different, so you have to adapt the best that you can.  Therefore, cognitive training focuses on this where exercises and patterns that we use change regularly. Connect with Felix Lehmann Felix Lehmann on LinkedIn Felix Lehmann on X COGNIGOALS Website Connect with David Charlton Sign up to The X-FACTOR  regular emails helping football and soccer players to get the most from their talent  Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn Check out our library of content supporting football and soccer players and coaches Relevant Soccer Related Podcast Episodes Ep064: Edu Rubio – How to Support Young Footballers Ep146: John Nassoori – What Is The Role Of A Sports Psychologist In Football? Ep151: Compilation - Football Psychology: 50 Ways You Can Improve Your Performance Ep188: Gary Curneen –  Helping Soccer Coaches Reflect On Their Approach #BITESIZE Ep193: Dan Abrahams – How to Help Footballers Get Out Of Their Own Way #BITESIZE Other Valuable Soccer or Football Resources  Goalkeeping Psychology | Mental Skills for Goalkeepers  Soccer Psychology | Mental Skills for Football Youth Sports Psychology | Mental Skills Training for Kids and Parents Frequently Asked Questions about Football or Soccer Psychology Frequently Asked Questions about Goalkeeping Psychology