Explore the intertwined relationship between fear, working memory, and sports coaching. How can a coach strategically utilize fear?

Harnessing Fear for Athletic Excellence: A Coach’s Perspective

We’ve all seen it: coaches on TV or online shouting at their players, expressing frustration as if everything’s going wrong. Being a football coach myself, I often ponder if such confrontational methods truly work. Surely, players should internalize and reflect on their mistakes without being reminded constantly. However, there might be a silver lining to […]

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LSPT test in progress, evaluating soccer players' skills and decision-making capabilities.

Analyzing Soccer Skills with the LSPT Test

To determine whether MVV footballers improved on-field, I employed the LSPT test, officially known as the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test. This test gauges a player’s soccer abilities, ranging from passing, dribbling, shooting, to decision-making. As research by Vestberg et al., 2012 indicates, working memory plays a pivotal role in decision-making in soccer. Decoding Working Memory

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Athlete using Oculus Rift, showcasing the role of VR in sports training.

Harnessing Virtual Reality in Sports Training

Virtual Reality (VR) is swiftly gaining traction. As companies race to craft software for this burgeoning trend, it’s becoming increasingly accessible for consumers. Notably, VR presents a golden opportunity to hone the executive functions of athletes. Louis van Gaal’s Technological Leap During the World Cup in Brazil, Louis van Gaal turned to a range of

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Rally driver and navigator in action, highlighting the role of working memory.

The Crucial Role of Working Memory in Rally Racing

One thing that never ceases to amaze me is the dynamic world of rally racing. Picture this: a driver, with assistance from a navigator, speeding through narrow roads, processing vast amounts of rapidly changing data. Clearly, a driver’s working memory is tested to its limits. Inside the Rally Car To set the scene, let’s begin

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Jelle Jolles discussing brain development in youth sports.

Brain Development & Youth Sports: Insights from Jelle Jolles

There’s a growing interest in the intersection of cognition and sports, especially within scholarly literature. The magazine “Football Coach” recently interviewed Jelle Jolles, a Professor of Brain, Behavior & Education at Vrije Universiteit. This article provides a summary of the first two segments of the insightful discussion. Ellis and Brain Development In 2011, Jolles released

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Athlete training his working memory

Boosting Working Memory: An Athlete’s Key to Success?

Becoming a top athlete is a dream for many kids. However, only a select few gifted individuals get this chance through rigorous athletic training. But can these kids maintain focus and concentration throughout their journey? Athletic Training’s Demanding Path Pursuing an athletic career isn’t a walk in the park. While kids engage daily in their

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Youth soccer players engaged in a cognitive training session

Rethinking Soccer Training: The Cognitive Approach

Recent research, including the study by Terry Mc Morris, suggests it might be beneficial to rethink our soccer training methods. Instead of starting with technique drills, why not end the session with them? Dutch Football’s Training Debate For years, there’s been a debate in the Netherlands about the future of Dutch football, especially the way

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Players training in Benfica's 360s soccer hall with virtual walls

Harnessing Tech in Soccer: Insights into 360s & Footbonaut

At MVV, we’ve recently utilized the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT). Specifically designed to measure passing accuracy, the LSPT evaluates essential soccer skills like passing, dribbling, shooting, and decision-making. Europe’s Elite Clubs Innovate Top European soccer clubs relentlessly strive to optimize player performance. They’re investing heavily in technological advancements, as showcased by Benfica’s pioneering efforts.

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Maximizing Cognitive Coaching in Soccer: Tips for Success

As a seasoned soccer coach, I’ve always sought ways to enhance my players’ skills. The realm of cognitive coaching has been particularly fascinating, offering unique insights into player development. Here, I’ll delve into some actionable cognitive-based tips to ensure your players get the best from their training. The Power of Demonstration Your brain’s coordination center,

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