Largely Mental

If you have been watching the World Cup, then you have seen some pretty amazing football. The games have been rather unpredictable consisting of some stunning goals and incredible defense. Among the victories, there have been several surprising results including the struggle of reigning World Cup champions, Spain. Among some of the power house teams, namely Spain, Portugal, and even the home team, Brazil, there has been apparent team chemistry struggles. The teams have incredibly talented players and the potential to play beautiful soccer, but have not been able to perform to the top of their abilities.

Anybody who knows and understands competition in athletics will readily admit that the game is partly physical and largely mental. At the highest levels, there is some differentiation in talent but more separation in the ability to perform under pressure. As a professional athlete playing on a world stage, you must show up and compete at top level every single practice and every single game. That kind of performance requires physical and mental endurance.

In May, in order to help his team prepare for the World Cup competition, England manager Roy Hodgson hired a Sports Psychologist. Many England players have met with him and have raved about how Dr. Stevens is able to help them improve their game both on and off the field. However, there are still some players who have not utilized the psychologist in order to help them gain the mental edge.

In a sports arena where the game is 50% mental and a win is separated by a very small margin, why not do everything you can to gain a mental edge?

Photo credit: fifa world cup