The Cognitive Edge... And Why We Don't Coach It

Coaches typically prioritize the technical and tactical aspects of sport because they play a crucial role in achieving success in the area of play. While it is true that the cognitive aspect of sport is important and can account for a significant portion of an player's performance success, technical and tactical skills provide the foundation for executing strategies effectively.

Rationale for a technical / tactical focus includes:

·??????Skill development: Technical skills, such as passing, shooting, or tackling in various sports, are fundamental to performing well. Coaches focus on refining these skills because they directly impact an player's ability to execute specific actions required in the sport. Tactical skills, on the other hand, involve strategies, game plans, and decision-making on the field, which are essential for achieving a competitive advantage.

·??????Performance consistency: Developing strong technical and tactical skills helps players become more consistent in their performance. When players are proficient in executing specific techniques and strategies, they are more likely to replicate successful outcomes. This consistency is vital for achieving sustained success in sports.

·??????Team dynamics: Often, sports are played in a team setting, and effective communication and coordination among teammates are crucial. Coaches work on developing technical and tactical skills to ensure that team members can understand and execute game plans together. These skills help create a cohesive and synchronized team, improving the chances of success.

·??????Competitive nature of sports: In most sports, players compete against opponents who are also skilled and well-prepared. By focusing on technical and tactical aspects, coaches aim to provide their players with a competitive edge. Strong technical skills and well-developed tactics can give players an advantage over their opponents, enhancing their chances of winning.

While the technical and tactical aspects of sports receive significant attention, the cognitive skills, also known as soft, mental or psychological skills, are often overlooked or not emphasized enough.?

Some of the reasons why include:

·??????Lack of Awareness: Coaches and players may not fully recognize the impact of soft skills on sports performance. The mental aspect of sports is often intangible and less visible compared to the physical and technical aspects. As a result, there may be a lack of awareness regarding the importance of developing and nurturing cognitive skills.

·??????Traditional Coaching Approaches: Traditional coaching methods have traditionally focused on physical conditioning, technical drills, and tactical strategies. These aspects are more tangible and easier to measure and assess. Cognitive skills, such as mental toughness, resilience, and emotional control, may not have received the same level of attention historically.

·??????Limited Resources: Coaches often face time constraints and limited resources, such as access to sports psychologists or mental skills training programs. As a result, they may prioritize areas that are perceived as more tangible and immediate in their impact, such as improving technical proficiency or team strategies.

·??????Cultural Factors: Some sports cultures or societies tend to prioritize physicality, athleticism, and technical prowess over the mental aspect of sports. This cultural bias can influence coaching approaches and the overall emphasis on cognitive skills.

·??????Personal Biases: Coaches may have their own biases or preferences towards the technical and tactical aspects of sports due to their own experiences as players or their coaching philosophies. This bias can inadvertently lead to a lack of emphasis on the development of cognitive skills.

However, it is important to recognize that cognitive skills play a crucial role in an player's performance and overall success. Mastering cognitive skills supports:?

·??????Performance Under Pressure: Cognitive skills help players manage stress, stay focused, and perform effectively under pressure. The ability to remain composed, make quick decisions, and stay resilient in challenging situations can significantly impact an player's performance.

·??????Confidence and Motivation: Cognitive skills contribute to an player's confidence, self-belief, and motivation. Positive self-talk, goal-setting, and visualization techniques can enhance an player's mental state and drive their performance to new heights.

·??????Team Dynamics: Cognitive skills are essential for effective teamwork, communication, and leadership. Players who possess strong interpersonal skills can better collaborate with teammates, adapt to different roles, and create a positive team environment.

·??????Injury Recovery and Rehabilitation: Cognitive skills play a critical role in injury recovery and rehabilitation. Players with strong mental resilience and coping skills can better navigate the challenges of rehabilitation, maintain a positive mindset, and make a successful comeback.

·??????Long-term Development: Cognitive skills are not only valuable in sports but also in other areas of life. By emphasizing the development of cognitive skills, coaches can equip players with valuable life skills that can benefit them beyond their sports careers.

Recognizing the importance of cognitive skills and integrating them into training programs can lead to more well-rounded players who can perform at their best in all aspects of their sport, and their life. Coaches should incorporate cognitive skills training, mindfulness exercises, and sports psychology techniques to maximize, the learning, enjoyment & success of their players on and off the area of play.