025 - Dan Abrahams - Sports Psych In The Soccer World
Nov 2, 2020
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Dan Abrahams, a sports psychologist specializing in soccer coaching and player development, talks about the role of sports psych in success. They discuss what confidence means, the tug of war between feedback and praise as a coach, and the importance of growth for education and self-development.
The success of elite athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is influenced by their mindset, including motivation, work ethic, and ability to handle pressure.
Effective communication is crucial for coaches to connect with players and create a positive and supportive environment, involving players in decision-making and focusing on process over outcome.
Coaches and players in the Premier League need to carefully manage each phase of the season, including active rest and self-development to avoid mental and physical exhaustion.
Deep dives
The mindset of elite athletes
Elite athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have a combination of factors that contribute to their success. One important aspect is their mindset, including their motivation, work ethic, and ability to handle pressure. These athletes have a strong desire to win and push themselves to maximize their potential. They are also dedicated to continuous improvement and are willing to challenge themselves by moving to new clubs or environments. Each player has their own unique psychological traits, with Ronaldo being driven by winning and personal ambition, while Messi excels in cognitive skills and perceptual awareness. Both players serve as inspirations for aspiring athletes to develop similar traits and mental resilience.
The importance of effective communication in coaching
Effective communication is crucial for coaches to connect with their players and create a positive and supportive environment. Coaches should strive to be good listeners and empathize with their players, asking open-ended questions and reflecting back what they hear. It's important for coaches to wear their expertise lightly and involve players in decision-making. By focusing on the process rather than the outcome, coaches can help players develop their own mental frameworks and improve their performance. Additionally, coaches can create space for players to rest and switch off from the game, promoting mental well-being and preventing burnout.
Navigating the challenges of a long season in the Premier League
The Premier League season is physically and mentally demanding, lasting several months with few breaks. Coaches and players need to carefully manage each phase of the season. During pre-season, coaches focus on game models, fitness, and fostering task cohesion among players. Throughout the season, it's important for players to have active rest and switch off from the game to avoid mental and physical exhaustion. Coaches can help players structure their time effectively, ensuring they get enough rest and recovery. While also exploring new ways to improve their game through education and self-development.
Adapting to the unique challenges of the pandemic
The pandemic has presented coaches and players with unprecedented challenges. Coaches have been encouraged to think divergently and explore alternative ideas and methodologies. However, it's important to strike a balance and not overwhelm oneself with too much information. Coaches can use this time to reflect and focus on self-improvement, without feeling the need to constantly stay connected or attend every webinar. Players have faced frustrations during lockdown periods, but coaches can help them structure their time effectively and organize daily activities. It's also important to acknowledge the emotional impact of the pandemic and allow individuals to take care of their mental well-being.
Favorite teams and players
Dan Abrahams mentions several favorite teams and players. These include the 2014 Barcelona team that won the Champions League, the 1970 Brazil World Cup team, the 1966 England World Cup team, the 2008 British cycling Olympic team, and individual players like Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, and Lionel Messi. Each of these teams and players has unique qualities that resonate with Dan as a sports psychologist and former professional golfer. They serve as inspirations for their exceptional skills, dedication, and ability to excel in their respective sports.
Shawn Alvari speaks with Dan Abrahams about the role sports psych plays in the success of both players and coaches. He dives into what confidence really means, the tug of war between giving feedback and praise as a coach, and the importance of looking for growth to hit the sweet spot of education and self-development.
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