Advertisement

World Cup: A mind is a terrible thing to waste

Share

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Sometimes it really is mind over matter.

And even if that’s not the case, why take a chance? That, apparently, is the thinking of Fabio Capello, coach of England’s World Cup team, who has added a psychologist to his staff.

Italian Christian Lattanzio is officially listed as the team’s ‘mental strength coach,’ according to the British media, and among the topics he’s focusing on heavily in the run-up to this summer’s tournament is the pressure of penalty kicks.

Advertisement

England has faced shootouts in six major championships but has won just once. So Lattanzio has come up with five steps to help the shooter relax and focus in the hopes of improving England’s chances:

1. Stay in the present. Forget mistakes and stop the mind from wandering by focusing on something that feels good.

2. Positive focus. Think ‘I’m going to score.’

3. Be specific. Go through your routine and trust your ability.

4. Breathing power. Use deep or shallow breathing to stay calm.

5. You’re the boss. Nothing will happen until you act, giving you ultimate power.

Oh, and just in case, Lattanzio told British reporters he has been urging England’s players to try one more thing.

‘It’s very important,’ he said, ‘to put in plenty of penalty practice.’

-- Kevin Baxter in London

Advertisement