Casual Argument- Calm&Patient

Using mindfulness techniques isn’t really an option for soccer players when making decisions about penalty kicks or pivotal moments that can change the outcome of a match. While penalty kicks need physical skill, the mental aspect of the game is just as important. Many times it determines the success or failure of the kick. By including mindfulness practices into their training routine, players can significantly enhance their performance and decision-making abilities, leading to greater success on the field. 

Penalty kicks bring on pressure and require players to maintain focus, composure, and confidence in the middle of the pressure of expectations from the crowd. Mindfulness techniques such as controlled breathing, body scan exercises, and visualization are important tools for players to regulate their emotions, center themselves, and prepare themselves before taking a penalty kick.

Research has shown that mindfulness interventions can improve cognitive function, attention control, and emotional regulation which are all important for making quick decisions during penalty kicks. By developing  present moment awareness players can navigate around performance anxiety, alleviate self doubt, and sharpen their focus. This allows the players make accurate and strategic decisions about where to kick with better chance and confidence.

Despite the proven benefits of mindfulness for penalty kick situations, including these practices in soccer training programs brings up challenges. These include resistance from coaches, limited time for mental skills training, and doubts about the effectiveness of mindfulness in sports. To get through these challenges, coaches and trainers have to prioritize the development of mental skills as a part of player preparation. This would inckude dedicating time and resources to include mindfulness practices in regular training sessions and creating a supportive environment that encourages players to use mindfulness as a valuable tool to improve performance.

Soccer players have to practice mindfulness before facing penalty kicks. Players can develop  mental strength, focus, and decision making skills needed to perform well under stress.  This gives them the ability to support their team by including mindfulness in their training routine.  Players who practice mindfulness are able to make penalty kicks with confidence. This might lead them to get to new performance levels that can influence the game’s outcome.

Josefsson, T., Ivarsson, A., Lindwall, M. et al. Mindfulness Mechanisms in Sports: Mediating Effects of Rumination and Emotion Regulation on Sport-Specific Coping. Mindfulness 8, 1354–1363 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-017-0711-4

Dana, Amir. “The Impact of Mindfulness and Mental Skills Protocols on Athletes’ Competitive Anxiety.” Sciendo, Sciendo, 10 Apr. 2022, sciendo.com/article/10.2478/bhk-2022-0017. 

Kinesiology, 1Department of. “Mindfulness in Athletes : Current Sports Medicine Reports.” LWW, Dec. 2021, journals.lww.com/acsm-csmr/fulltext/2021/12000/mindfulness_in_athletes.8.aspx. 

•Li, Pengli, et al. “What Makes an Elite Shooter and Archer? The Critical Role of Interoceptive Attention.” Frontiers, Frontiers, 14 May 2021, http://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.666568/full. 

Wu, Chih-Han, et al. “Relationship between Mindfulness, Psychological Skills, and Mental Toughness in College Athletes.” MDPI, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 24 June 2021, http://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/13/6802. 

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2 Responses to Casual Argument- Calm&Patient

  1. davidbdale's avatar davidbdale says:

    Here are 252 sources from Google Scholar that focus specifically on Mindfulness and Penalty Kicks:
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C31&q=%2BMINDFULNESS+%22penalty+kick%22&btnG=

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  2. davidbdale's avatar davidbdale says:

    I set ChatGPT the following challenge, which it met in a few seconds:

    In 500 words for a college paper, explain why, although mindfulness has been proven effective in improving the accuracy of soccer penalty kicks, soccer coaches have been reluctant to consider training their players in the mental aspect of the game.

    “Mindfulness, characterized by a focused awareness and presence in the moment, has demonstrated notable benefits in various aspects of performance, including soccer penalty kicks. Research has shown that incorporating mindfulness techniques can enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of these critical moments in soccer matches. However, despite these positive findings, soccer coaches have been somewhat hesitant to embrace mindfulness training as a core component of their players’ development. Several factors contribute to this reluctance.

    “Firstly, the traditional coaching approach in soccer has historically emphasized physical and technical training over mental aspects such as mindfulness. Coaches often prioritize drills that focus on skills like passing, shooting, and tactical strategies during practice sessions. The mental side of the game, including mindfulness, has traditionally been viewed as secondary or even overlooked altogether. This entrenched coaching culture may make it challenging for coaches to shift their focus towards integrating mindfulness techniques into their training regimens.

    “Additionally, there may be a lack of awareness or understanding among coaches regarding the specific benefits of mindfulness for soccer performance. While research studies demonstrate the positive impact of mindfulness on penalty kick accuracy and overall player focus, this information may not be widely disseminated within coaching communities. Without a clear understanding of how mindfulness can directly enhance on-field performance, coaches may be less inclined to invest time and resources into incorporating these techniques into their training programs.

    “Moreover, implementing mindfulness training requires a commitment to change and adaptation within coaching methodologies. Embracing mindfulness means coaches must allocate time and effort towards educating themselves and their players on these techniques, and then integrating them into regular training sessions. This adjustment may be perceived as a disruption to existing coaching routines, which are often based on established practices and methodologies.

    “Another significant factor contributing to coaches’ reluctance could be a cultural stigma or misunderstanding surrounding mental training techniques in sports. In some athletic contexts, there is a lingering perception that mental training is reserved for addressing issues related to anxiety or performance anxiety, rather than being recognized as a proactive tool for enhancing overall performance. This stigma may lead coaches to undervalue the potential benefits of mindfulness in improving player skills and outcomes.

    “Lastly, there may be practical challenges associated with implementing mindfulness training within the competitive framework of soccer. Coaches are often under pressure to produce tangible, short-term results, such as winning matches or improving team rankings. The benefits of mindfulness training, while significant in the long term, may not yield immediate, easily measurable outcomes that align with the demands of competitive sports environments.

    “In conclusion, while mindfulness has been validated as an effective tool for enhancing soccer performance, soccer coaches have been slow to adopt these techniques due to various factors. Overcoming this reluctance requires a shift in coaching paradigms, increased awareness of the benefits of mindfulness, and a willingness to adapt training methods to incorporate mental aspects of the game. As the understanding of mindfulness continues to evolve, it is likely that more coaches will recognize its potential to optimize player performance and elevate the quality of soccer training.”

    —The content of the above is more focused than your work on the “coach-resistant” aspect of the topic, but the vague tone and lack of specificity are unmistakably similar. We’re all learning together how to navigate the new world of enhanced composition, C&P. Instructors are adapting. Students must adapt, too; they can’t afford to sound like AI without attracting undue attention.

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