Sport psychology for the masses has become a reality with the introduction of Mindcards – an easy, affordable, accessible way for players of all abilities to improve their game.
Mind games in soccer are nothing new – but sport psychology has often come at a high price. Now expert advice is at hand for everyone from serious semi-pro players and academy youngsters to folks who aspire to playing a better game for their local league team.
Quotes and testimonials
“The cards are concise, portable and easy to use which increases the likelihood of players applying the strategies in order to benefit from them,” said Kotadia.
“It is about developing a winning edge. Developing a robust mental approach to improve performance requires positive action.” The packs come in two separate 52-card decks and bring sport psychology within the pocket of all athletes from serious professionals and academy teenagers to folks aspiring to play a better game for their local Sunday league team. Charlton Athletic manager Phil Parkinson is a big fan:
“I have worked with Sam for many years and he does things in a very clear and structured way. As a player you have to learn mental toughness and how to cope with adverse situations. What matters is how you respond when things go wrong. These cue cards are handy because they instil positivity. This sort of support hasn’t been readily available for grassroots players before. I think it is fantastic.”
Jose Semedo the current captain of Charlton Athletic FC says: “I read them everyday, whether it’s when I wake up in the morning or before I go to bed at night. Sam’s approach has made a huge difference to my game.”
“I get them out at half-time as well as in the run up to matches,” said Josh Llewellyn, a former Team Bath student player who now plays for Weston-super-Mare FC. “They are great for someone in my position,” added Llewellyn. “I can’t afford to see a sport psychologist on a regular basis so they provide the right mental triggers and reminders I need. The advice isn’t just important for playing sport well but how you can approach other things in your life”.
These are just a few pearls of expert advice available from Mindcards, packs of psychology cue cards for athletes of all abilities to improve confidence, focus and motivation:
Top Tips from the Mindcard range
1. Relaxed excellence
Improving your focus doesn’t always mean trying harder. Pushing yourself too hard can be counter-productive, as you’re most focused when relaxed, calm and collected. Learn to develop relaxed excellence and success will follow.
2. Instinct is everything
Athletes at the top of their game learn to trust their instincts during the heat of competitive performances – think too long and you will be unable to take control of the game. Trust that you have the skill and ability to deal with all the competitive challenges that sport throws at you, and keep instinct the sole driving force behind your game.
3. Keep things fresh
Sporting routines can often become tedious and predictable. Keep your sport fresh by engaging in new and exciting sessions as regularly as possible. Boredom will sap your motivation, leaving you uninspired and tired of your sport.
4. Focus on the process
It is important to focus on the process of sport instead of the outcome. You cannot directly control whether you win or lose, but you can control your physical sporting actions. Focus on mastering each of these actions to significantly increase the likelihood of overall success, and maintain high confidence.
5. The board of directors
Think of 5 individuals you admire in sport. Lets call them the ‘board of directors’. Place this select group in your mind and whenever you feel low in confidence, ask your directors what they would do in your situation. Take their advice to heart and act on it with conviction.
The cards, which come in two separate 52-card packs, improve confidence, focus and motivation. Developed by Chartered Psychologist Sam Kotadia the cards are now available in North America. Borders USA, are one of the first stores to get on board with the Mindcard system.
