As the Performance Director at Red Star Academy (Ligue 2, France), Aurélien Marchesi has made mental preparation a core component of his method. Also being a specialist in high-performance breathing, he shares the five steps he teaches his players to start each game with a winning mindset. "The player first needs to reinforce their fundamentals, as confidence stems from preparation. The work during the week is the foundation that guides them under pressure." The second step is to "visualize success! Even before kickoff, the player should take a few minutes to anticipate situations and envision successful actions to achieve their objectives." The third step? "Effective communication with the coaching staff and teammates will strengthen team cohesion." For the fourth step, the player needs to put their mistakes into perspective. "Mistakes are only significant if we decide they are. They should be seen as learning opportunities, and the focus should shift to the next play." Finally, and this is the foundation of peak performance: "Never forget to enjoy the game."

Brief

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