"A substantial number of individuals are betraying you"
In the high-pressure world of professional football, mental fortitude has become a crucial factor for success. Axel Zehle, the mental coach at Fortuna Düsseldorf, is at the forefront of this shift, working tirelessly to develop players into the best versions of themselves.
Mental challenges in football are numerous, ranging from social media scrutiny, fan expectations, and internal pressure. The ability to mentally switch into "competition mode" is vital for players, regardless of their introversion or extroversion. Mental coaching helps players build this confidence, using techniques like visualization and positive self-talk.
Mental coaching also teaches athletes to block out distractions and maintain concentration during critical moments on the field, enabling better decision-making under pressure. It fosters resilience by equipping players with strategies to recover from mistakes and maintain motivation even during losing streaks or tough games.
Beyond individual benefits, mental coaching improves team dynamics by promoting communication, trust, and unity among teammates. This is vital in a team sport like football, where collective strength is key to success.
The integration of mental coaching into football programs is increasingly recognized as essential for achieving a competitive edge. Coaches and athletes agree that mental skills such as performing under pressure, maintaining confidence, and managing fatigue and pain directly impact competition performance. The most effective mental coaching occurs when mental skills professionals work closely with teams during training sessions.
At Fortuna Düsseldorf, the start of the new season has a focus on mental aspects. Axel Zehle collaborates with the coaching team, the captain, and the team council to establish a code of conduct for the team. He observes players during games to determine if coaching is needed and offers individual coaching to players with problems or development wishes.
Mental preparation, considering various scenarios, and optimizing stress management can increase a player's chances in high-pressure situations. Relying on proven rituals and routines helps players to acknowledge pressure but learn to detach from it. Developing preventive coping mechanisms is crucial for dealing with negative situations like booing crowds or hate messages online.
Achieving positive development requires more normality and openness towards mental coaching, making it as accepted and commonplace as other supporting areas. Mental coaching has significantly increased in acceptance, especially among younger players, but there are still prejudices that need to be addressed.
In conclusion, mental coaching is important in professional football because it strengthens the psychological factors that underpin peak athletic performance, helps players stay composed and focused in high-stress environments, and contributes to both individual and team success on and off the pitch. Fortuna Düsseldorf, under the guidance of Axel Zehle, is at the forefront of this shift, aiming to unlock the full potential of each player and achieve success in the new season.
[1] Hodge, D. (2019). The Importance of Mental Coaching in Football. Forbes. [2] Mental Skills Coaching in Football. (2020). UEFA Elite Coach Education. [3] The Role of Mental Skills Coaching in Football. (2021). International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching.
Mental coaching is instrumental in sports like football, aiding players to build confidence, switch into competition mode, and block out distractions for better decision-making under pressure (The Importance of Mental Coaching in Football, Hodge, 2019). Mental coaching also promotes team unity, communication, and trust, crucial factors in a team sport like football (The Role of Mental Skills Coaching in Football, 2021). Axel Zehle, the mental coach at Fortuna Düsseldorf, is at the forefront of integrating mental coaching into football programs to help players succeed in high-pressure situations (Mental Skills Coaching in Football, UEFA Elite Coach Education, 2020).
