Training for minds and bodies
Workshop with the sports psychologist:
For the Iron Ladies, Sunday at the training camp presented by sonnenschutz.de started with a morning training session on the pitch after a nutritious breakfast. In the afternoon, the team gathered for a workshop with sports psychologist Elisa Lierhaus.
‘Working on what's difficult on the pitch’
‘The importance of psychology and mental health in professional football has become increasingly important in recent years. Especially in a highly competitive environment characterised by physical performance, tactical skill and public pressure, mental strength plays a crucial role. The promotion of mental health and access to professional psychological support are therefore essential for sporting performance and the well-being of players, as the last few per cent in the head can be decisive,’ said Lierhaus, explaining the role of her field of work in competitive sport.
In the afternoon, the sports psychologist of the professional women's team of 1. FC Union Berlin invited the team to the meeting room of the team headquarters to facilitate an in-depth exchange. The aim was not only to look back on the first half of the season, but also to analyse which mental strengths and weaknesses became apparent in stressful situations. Key topics such as team cohesion, communication and individual roles within the team were also analysed from a psychological perspective in order to best prepare for the start of the second half of the season.
‘Elisa did a great job preparing the workshop. I think it's important that the players' different perspectives and opinions come together and create an overall picture. It's really good for us and fundamentally very valuable to be able to work with a sports psychologist and to be able to rely on this contact person,’ emphasised centre-back Marie Becker.
In an open dialogue atmosphere, the focus was placed on the ability to react flexibly and confidently as a team to increasing pressure. A SWOT analysis in small groups helped to identify strengths and weaknesses as well as opportunities and risks from the first half of the season on and off the pitch and to draw conclusions for the upcoming second half of the season. A plan was developed that includes strategies and methods on how the players can remain calm and focussed under high pressure in order to grow even closer together as a team at the crucial moment.
‘The most important thing for me is always that the players take something away with them at the end that they can continue to work on as a team and individually. And you can also feel that this very young team still wants to learn a lot and is growing together more and more,’ summarised sports psychologist Elisa Lierhaus after the workshop.
Quote of the day: ‘It's easier together than alone’ - Marie Becker replied to the question of what the players had learnt today.
The diary entries at a glance:
