Sports psychologist stars in penalty films

‌Andy Lane, Professor of Sports Psychology at the University starred alongside renowned former players Matt Le Tissier and Glenn Hoddle in making the films for Adidas as part of its Get Ready campaign.

The sports brand ran a competition asking for contestants to upload a film of them performing 30 seconds of freestyle football tricks. Five winners will then be chosen to take part in a one shot penalty shoot-out with the chance to win a trip to Rio in Brazil.

As part of the campaign four videos were made looking at the science of penalties, how to take the perfect penalty, the psychology of penalties and the expert’s guide.

Professor Lane gave an insight into how players can handle the pressure through practice and simulation and also what type of coping mechanisms they can use in order for them to be successful.

Former England players Matt Le Tissier, who scored 47 out of 48 career penalty kicks, and Glenn Hoddle shared their experiences of how they approached taking penalties in competitive games, alongside sports scientist Greg Whyte.

Professor Lane, who is based with the University’s Institute of Sport at its Walsall Campus, said: “It was great to be involved with such a high profile project and here in England we need all the help we can get with mastering penalty kicks.

“Players taking a penalty in a big competition like a cup final or the World Cup are under extreme physical and emotional pressure but they can prepare themselves by practicing in pressure situations in order for them to learn how to cope with all those emotions.”

To view the films visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_2841570725&feature=iv&src_vid=K8FvHq-AJCM&v=Nmr78X6k9-c

ENDS

For more information please contact James Allen in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322003.

Date Issued: Thursday 27 March 2014