dsr-burnley
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That sounds a bit eccentric. Svengali had that sort of power over his acolyte, but not in a good way. It was seen as sinister. I would have thought a healthier mental position is to think that the best way to score is to do it yourself by hitting the ball into the net, rather than relying on a third party telling him some magic trigger words.Here goes nothing
The following is my interpretation. Based on observation and laypersons reading up of the science. These are my words, not Sally's. I may be wrong. I have had a brief opportunity to ask Sally a few things. But, United are quite secretive about the techniques. Because they think it gives us a competitive advantage over other Academies.
Some conventional coaching is about triggers. Getting players to react in certain ways when certain things happen. Track him. Be on his left shoulder. Defensive drills etc.
But you can also drill a player how to think. And I don't mean - if he overlaps I need to go with him. I mean how to be calm, how to be focused, how to concentrate, how to relax. Those sort of things.
The Academy work on those mind skills. For instance, we all see the running around cones preparation for the body. They also do routines and drills that prepare the head. Yes. Really.
So. A conventional coach may yell - get tighter on him. But, during a game, Sally will not yell - get calmer. Instead, she'll use a trigger word, a trigger sentence, even a trigger tone of voice which resets the players head into a safe space (I know, but that's the best way I can explain it).
Obviously that phrase will not be - what is the capital of Montenegro. But, it will just be a gentle phrase. And specific to each player. Like a personalised plan for each player.
She's not telling them how to play. She's not telling them what to think. She's not even telling them how to feel. But, through the preparation and drills and trigger phrases she's clearing their heads (for example). You can tell the players respect her and value what she says.
Say there's a free kick over the far side. It's in range. They're going to do a routine they've drilled at Shirecliffe. Sally will call over a nearby player and say something to him - I don't know, maybe - tell Sydie to take his breath and look at his hands. That player will jog over and tell Sydie. He'll score. He doesn't run to the bench and point at the coach who worked out the blocking routine. He runs over and points at Sally, both with a beaming smile.
Fascinating.
What happens to the player if either he or Sally moves to another club?