Demystifying Mental Toughness

258 Football: How To Overcome Mental Blocks To Improve Your Dribbling Skills

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Episode notes

A common goal when supporting attacking football or soccer players, is overcoming mental blocks when dribbling with the ball in football. This is the topic David discusses in this week’s Demystifying Mental Toughness podcast. He goes on to share’s 3 tips to help attacking players overcome such issues with anxiety and confidence, tension, and the tendency to play it safe. 

Key Learning Points:

  • Elite Professional footballers are not immune to mental blocks.
  • Keeping a journal, noting down positive moments on the ball, how you think, feel and act can help you recreate the movements in your mind.
  • Use your time online wisely, study the best dribblers such as Messi and Neymar and practice these skills to build muscle memory. 
  • Visualise yourself ahead of matches and training to mentally prepare yourself for different situations to reduce the fear of failure. 
  • Childlike feelings that link to playfulness and fun when playing can benefit you.

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