Fuel For Football Podcast: Recent Episodes
Fuel For Football
Your host, and sport psychologist Sanchez Bailey provides psychological lessons for professional football players right down to grassroots level!
The final episode of the year presents a mentality that can be prepared for the coming new year
In this episode, a statement from Thierry Henry is broken down into a mentality that has resulted in invincible performances.
This episode focuses on the mentality of persistence and how it can be applied in favourable and unfavourable situations.
In this foot-note episode, the concept of performance distractions is explored with solutions highlighted
This episode reveals two mindset shifts, followed by a practical application that will prevent drops in confidence and instead return with a valiant effort to earn your place back in the team.
In the final installment of the anxiety series, this episode explores one of the anxiety reduction technique and how it can be applied.
The second installment of the anxiety series focuses on how easily anxiety can occur from our line of thinking.
A re-wiring technique is introduced as a precursor to addressing anxiety.
This episode is the start of a crucial series in protecting mental strength. The first series seeks to raise awareness on the meaning of anxiety, and it's destructive nature if not addressed.
In this episode, the mentality of becoming resilient is explored. Listeners will develop the foundation in becoming formidable in their on the field contributions
As we return for season 23/24, we present a timely episode on how to first mentally, then physically navigate in disadvantaged environments at your club.
In this episode, a breakdown on some of the must-do's at the end of the season, to ensure a physical and psychological recharge and development in time for pre-season.
In this episode, we explore how you can mastering handling key moments in a game, raising your game while other's typically drop
In this footnote episode, the concept of preparation is broken down into actionable terms that can heighten your level of competitiveness via preparation
This is the third and final instalment of the GITZ series, which includes in game strategies to get in the zone.
In this episode, we explore another principle that can be applied in attempt to experiencing 'flow'
In this episode, the first essential step of getting into the zone is explored. A well time episode as we approach the business end of the season.
In this episode, the concept of being in a run of bad form is explored, which is followed by the steps to mentality and physically recover
In this episode, we explore two ways you could get an extra percentage out of your team-mates that compliment your team and positively change the course of your season
In this episode, the concept of being on the bench is explored followed by three empowering steps to prepare you for the most effective impact
In this episode, we explore the tendency of motivation being lost at this stage of the season and how it can be regained via mental modifications
It is easy to be so engaged in the game, that you forget to actually enjoy doing what you do. In this episode, this concept is explored followed by guidance into enjoying 'The Process'
This episode will draw from a number of recent examples of players who have changed the course of their careers by being ready for when their time came. Lessons from their stories will be identified
This episode is the third installment of the Winning Mentality series, which highlights the way that you perceive yourself in a competitive sceanrio
On the first episode since the World Cup, we return with a timely episode on what takes a winning mentality. First of three parts
This episode explores how to channel disappointment into a performance empowering manner
This episode can be compared to a meta-analysis over the last few seasons and highlights the importance of setting up a physical, social, mental and emotional break - despite the heavy scheduling in football.
As we are approaching the half-way point of the season, it is inevitable that tough times are nigh. In this episode, we explore a mentality that can expedite players into solutions and change of fortune
In this episode we explore how subtle actions can either compliment your team, or potentially harm your team while motivating the opposition.
This episode explores the scenario of Mbappe being out of position and the negative implications on mindset and subsequently performance. This is followed by a guide to improve not only mindset but also physical output.
This episode looks at lessons from two perspectives: when form is in your favour - how confidence can be a danger to future progression. The other perspective is how to recover confidence from a string of negative results.
This episodes follows on perfectly from the last episode to restore balance. It is important to push yourself to limits, but without structure it can be a recipe for disaster. In this episode, we explore the balance required to avoid doing 'too much.'
This episode marks the return of the FFF podcast for the 22/23 season. In this episode, a concept named 'Football OCD' is explored. A concept that describes being obsessed with developing your game. This is a mentality that should be adopted by all, especially at this stage of the season!
This episode is a step by step guide in effectively reflecting to build for the off and next season
This episode highlights an array of incidents and how recoveries can be made in high pressured situations.
With the season coming to an end, we explore three methods you can apply that places you in the best mentality for the 'business end' of the season.
This episodes explores the famous saying 'You're most vulnerable when you've just scored'. We look at how this can stem from a mentality, with ways to alter thinking to be more empowering.
This episode explores the mindset when the coach loses faith in you, and how a certain way of thinking can be damaging. An alternative way of thinking is introduced - alongside strategies to empower yourself and change your narrative.
This episode focuses on the mindset that following a negative result, one's performance intensity improves. The aim is to equip listeners with the ability to heighten performance intensity, without the presence of a negative result.
This episode explores the level of confidence shown in football's most outwardly confidence players: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Sanchez then shows how we all can take elements from Zlatan's confidence level and apply ourselves.
This episode seeks to inspire all athlete's to unlock their inner leader during the last quarter of the season
This episode has been made to increase awareness of what an alter-ego is, how it can be used in football and it's effectiveness. There will be an episode to follow that will guide listeners into application.
This episodes details the importance of equipping yourselves for the challenges that are possible throughout the season so that it has limited psychological (and then performance) damage.
This episodes analyses recent sporting events, with a focus on how to add greater depth to your game
This episode is a foot note episode highlight the recent events in the game, with practice that can be applied by all
This episode provides a compartmentalizes the concept of mistakes, and introduces a method to prevent the term from negatively affecting your game.
The first episode of the new year focuses on how easy for standards to drop against an 'inferior' opponent, and to be able to eradicate such way of thinking.
This episodes explores the concept of politics in the game, and the most effective ways to handle mistreatment.
In this episode, the two most effective methods in responding to defeats are shared on the mark of the 50th episode!
This episode focuses on the power of our words, and how we can be responsible for confidence, or the lack of from what we say to ourselves.
This episode explores the most recent events in the Premier League, highlighting areas that can be of value to both coaches and players
This can be considered as a footnote episode where the episode briefly expands on the topic of pressure
This episode is the beginning of a series on pressure and explores Manchester United's recent challenges with pressure, and the recent game against Liverpool.
This episode is a prelude to the next book that will be released on how we actively work towards our goals.
In light of the international break and World Mental Health Day, Sanchez provides a 10 Commandments of Mental Health list that we should practice to maintain or develop an empowered mindset.
In honour of our American listeners, we speak to a player on American soil! This episode we are joined by Arthur Rogers who offers some psychological gems regarding playing in the zone and working towards optimal performance.
This episode had to start off with a quick summary of the Anthony Joshua fight and progresses into lessons we can take. The lessons from AJ also links with today's topic of how to respond when things don't go your way. The aim is to ensure your performances, quality does not suffer when you feel you have been let down in the game.
This episode I touch base with the multi faceted Montel Agyemang. He share's his wisdom from his experience in the pro game, how he is currently building his brand and his take on football's recent events.
This episode can be considered as PSA to ensure that throughout the season, there is time for balance. A lack of can lead to a mental fatigue, which then can have serious consequences on your physical output. Balance is then broken into tangible tasks. There is also an important message for athlete's regarding the investment in their post competitive careers.
This is a response to the Athletic interview with Jack Wilshere, where he opens up and shares his recent thoughts, concerns and regrets. This episode is not only a tribute to Jack, it includes some sport psych lessons we can also learn.
As we return for season 3 of the FFF podcast, we start with a mindset the can best equip you for not only the start of the season, but to endure some of the season's challenges across the next 9 months. We are joined by Walsall forward Brendan Kiernan who offers his experience, which includes some important take-home messages
For the final episode of the season, we touch base with Chelsea Women's legend Drew Spence. We look at the recent Champions League final defeat and overall success this season (4:00); the importance of setting goals and Chelsea's targets they set for the season (05:45). We look at how Drew has been able to stay on top of her game at the top level for 14 years (09:00); dealing with politics in the game (17:00) and her greatest asset on the mental side of her game (20:30).
This is a continuation from the last episode as we explore how the Champions and Europa League semi finalists handled their respective pressures. This is followed by a think piece on how you can channel pressure in a way that compliments rather than compromises performance.
As we approach the business end of the season, we touch on the recent semi-finals in European football. At a time where stakes are high, and pressure is present for every team - some more than others. In this episode we explore the origin and psychodynamics of pressure, which will help improve our understanding of how pressure can effect your game. There's a 'watch task' assignment for listeners to look out for during the 2nd legs.
This episode is focus on reflection and the importance of maintaining the quality of reflection following successful and unsuccessful games.
In an episode full of topics and gems, we introduce Egypt international Sam Morsy and explore how he has settled in his first season at Middlesbrough (05.00). We then look back at his time at Wigan, and the added responsibility as club captain - leading his team during administration (07.00). Sam shares his views on essential leadership traits (11.00) and a psychological tool that should be introduced as early as possible in academy football (17.00). This episodes concludes with some guidelines to compete during Ramadan (27.00).
This episode starts with a recap from last weeks topic on body language (01.00). We then proceed to explore how taking a game is a mindset that should be applied by all players - in each position. We then look at players that gambled over the weekend, and identify lessons we can take from them (08.00). To conclude, we breakdown ways you can gamble from every position on the pitch (15.30).
This episode is the first of a series of episodes on essentials tool that will help players have a strong close to their season(s). The first tool is body language. We explore the areas the body language can impact (self, team mates and opposition, 04:30), followed by strategies that can be applied to use body language to not only have a positive effect your future actions, but also alter the actions of your surroundings - to your advantage!
Starting off with some wise words from Thierry Henry, we highlight his comments on repetition and habit. We then move on to Erik Lamela's Rabona strike and lessons we can take from this goal (02:00). After highlighting a 'shoot your shot' mentality, we explore how you can apply this mentality to raise your game (4:00), with daily applications (10:00).
'Fight or Flight' is a moment that exposes human instinct. This occurs when we are presented with a scenario where our mind's either perceive as a challenge or threat.
We explore the article on Mason Mount where he was presented with a 'scenario' (1:30), then move on to how he responded (5:00). Finally, we touch on some ways that we can learn from him and apply to our playing circumstances (07:30).
We explore some of the recent events in the Premier League; namely Liverpool and their form (2:30), Xhaka and his mistakes, and the brain's role in making irrational decisions (08:30). We then explore the negative thought processing that would occur following a run of bad form, and following mistakes (12:00). This episode then concludes with alternative and empowering thought processing that is helpful to performance levels (18:00).
This episode we undergo another case study, but this time with Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. We explore his injury history and identify the psychological challenges he may have faced 2:37 during his more lengthy injuries. We conclude by revealing three steps that Gundogan would have applied to have now had his most successful season.
In this episode, we explore a timeline of the last 18 months for Jesse Lingard. We explore some incidents that can add value to players, but also coaches.
First we explore how personal factors can affect performance, and how to handle this in the least debilitative way (4:00). The importance of players to know what makes them 'tick' and for coaches to recognise this is discussed (14:50). The vital tools to manage online scrutiny is also revealed (18:00). Lastly, we explore the work that he has put in to return to the game in top form (22:20).
In this episode, we explore the effect of the home crowd and how their absence can affect players (02:50). Forward Antonio German shares his experience in playing Premier League football, their crowds and his experience overseas playing in front of over 100,000 fans (09:00). We also identify strategies to equip you with the ability to overcome the current home 'disadvantage'.
This episode provides an additional perspective of the #submax concept that Sanchez introduced on episode #005.
This episode covers an essential principle that every player should have, there is also more than philosophy and this is broken down in this episode!
In this episode we explore one of the worst habits in football. This habit can alter the result of the game for your team. We explore the positive affect that it can have on your opponents (06:00), how it can deflate your team (07:28), and incite pressure on both yourself and teammates (11:00). This is followed by identifying an alternative perspective (13:50), which will develop into a mental skill that eradicates this bad habit (15:30).
First episode of the year starts off with acknowledging the restrictions that many players worldwide are facing. Some have football completely cancelled! In this episode, we explore some ways to best navigate through this difficult period. First step is acceptance, then exploring the areas you can control during this time, and scheduling!
As we conclude the year, it's important to take some time to reflect. This episode provides the steps to reflect on this season's progress by identifying the areas to praise yourself, highlighting the areas to develop and implementing actions plans to work towards your season goal(s) for the rest of the season.
In light of the return of crowds for some teams, it's worth exploring the effect that this will have for players. We look at the positive effect that the crowd have, and also the effect that can harm performance.
Sanchez makes a bold prediction about how this will effect teams going into the Christmas period, followed by some strategies to help cope with the pressures of the crowd.
This episode is inspired from the latest Premier League action over the weekend. We explore Bruno Fernandes statement on a recent podcast appearance (02.00), and explore the lessons and consequences of his statement. We then compare with Jose Mourinho's recent statement on the same topic (15.00). We compare the psychological implications from both statements, identifying the ideal way to process goals and ambitions.
Apologies for the audio complications on this episode. On episode 18, we talk to Englishman Matt Watson - who has just earned his 16th professional season in the United States. We explore his journey in English football, to him taking the leap of faith to being one of the first Englishman to venture into American professional football playing at the highest level in the MLS.
Matt shares some MLS stories, while we identify one of the key factors that go into a 'smooth' international transition. He shares some of the important lessons he's learned over time.
Last week the football world was stunned by the tragic passing of Jeremy Wisten. It has called the football community to unite an encourage players to "speak up". In this episode we explore what the concept really means.
I am joined by Swansea u23's striker Ali Al-Hamadi who shared a heart felt video that went viral encouraging players to speak up. We discuss the video (3.00), and the importance of speaking up during the positive and challenging times also (15.00). We also explore solutions that clubs can implement (18.00) and the responsibility of players too (21.00).
This is an episode that is focused on the wellbeing of a player. First we explore the importance of sleep, alongside the positive and negative effects on performance (2.00). This is followed by 'quick-fix' steps to improve the quality and structure of sleep.
Conditioning is also explored (11.15). With games coming every 2-3 days, it is important to ensure you are able to maintain an exceptional standard and intensity - which is achieved by allowing the body to recovery from physical exertion.
Lastly, support is something that many have but are we utilising enough? This episode concludes with why this is essential during the course of a season (14.00).
This episode is short but sweet as there's no guest. In this episode, we explore the concept of matchday preparations, followed by a breakdown of the strategy so you can apply.
Do let us know you get on with you applying this for your own matchday preps.
In this episode, we explore the concept of concentration in competition and addressing some false concepts of concentration (3.37). I then speak a peer in the game (10.00), Tulio Barbosa who offer his perspective on concentration, which is followed by a brief breakdown on strategies.
We're back with season 2 of the FFF podcast! Starting off with with some fundamentals to progress on the mental side of your game this season.
We start the last episode of the season with a quick round of the FA Cup final, and reveals the 'submaxer' of the 19/20 season. Then this transitions into the final topic from the mental toughness programme and how we can implement this mental skill.
As the football season ends, and most players are in an off season. We enter our penultimate episode for the season and as we are a step closer to the end of the mental toughness programme, the concept of control is introduced. This is followed by an exercise (5.00) that can help expand your perception of control in challenging circumstances.
This week we return with the second edition of the mental toughness programme, and today's topic is commitment.
I introduce the need for a philosophy (3.30), then I speak to Henry Burnett (11.00) who shares his experience at u23 level, which demands a great level of commitment.
This episode is the start of our mental toughness programme. The first component that we will cover is maintaining 'Confidence' while handling long term injury. To start off, we explore the nature of injuries and emotional stages that injuries bring (05.00). This is followed by progressive strategies to improve your confidence in the rehab process, and your ability to return to pre-injury levels (08.30). I speak to versatile player Romain Vincelot, who shares his experience in handling an injury no other professional player has yet to return from (18.00), incredible story!
This episode is a preparation episode for the upcoming mental toughness series. The components that will be discussed are: commitment, confidence, challenges, control. In this episode, there is a mini overview on each one and the prerequisites needed to build on mental toughness.
In this episode, we explore the concept of reviewing your own performance, with steps to apply this mental skill into your game. First off, we address where players have it wrong when reviewing their game and we identify an important prerequisite to be applied before reviewing your game (1.35). We explore the steps to apply this mental skill, which is an important one for a player to develop his/her game (3.55).
We then speak to football analyst Maurice de Vaan, who describes the process in analyzing your game (8.55). We then speak to Portsmouth winger Marcus Harness who shares his perspective on reviewing his performance (14.10).
This episode is more informative and we hope motivating, rather than a focus on mental skills like previous episodes. We explore the concept of 'dropping' down a tier, and the four cornerstones that should be considered during that process (1.34). We speak to agent, Phil Korklin (3.40) to get his perspective on handling the process with a client. We speak to Barnsley forward Jacob Brown (9.50) on his incredible journey from being released, playing non-league football to now playing in the second highest division in England (Championship).
This episode is a focus on a mindset to empower players that are battling with regular game time. We outline the defnition of 'SUBMAX' (0.30). We discuss the concept of limited game time followed by 3 strategies to being a 'submaxer' (3.00). We are joined by Dynamo Kiev striker Fran Sol (8.00) as he shares his experiences in breaking into the team in Spain, Holland and now Ukraine.
In this episode, Sanchez is joined by Goalkeeper Chris Haigh as we explore 6 steps for you to best return to football in the best shape possible - mentally and physically. Step 1 - Identifying your Season Highlight (1.00); Step 2 - 'Repeat, Rehearse, Regurgitate' (3.20), Step 3&4 - Self Assessments (5.00), Step 5 - Practical Application (7.45), Step 6 - Mental Stimulation (11.29). Conversation with Chris Haigh begins at 13.45.
This podcast brings to you the latest sporting incidents and converts those into lessons from either a psychological, physical or analytical perspective. To give football player's the right tools to start their week!
We want this to be as interactive as possible so do stay in touch: Host - Sanchez Bailey: @sanchezkbailey_ FFF - @fuelforfootball
This podcast brings to you the latest sporting incidents and converts those into lessons from either a psychological, physical or analytical perspective. To give football player's the right tools to start their week! We want this to be as interactive as possible so do stay in touch: Host - Sanchez Bailey: @sanchezkbailey_ FFF - @fuelforfootball
For the first episode, we have Fuel For Football Director, Jolon Levene to join us to discuss recent sporting incidents, with strong take home messages regarding persistence, penalties, and a Q&A sector from the viewership.
This podcast brings to you the latest sporting incidents and converts those into lessons from either a psychological, physical or analytical perspective. To give football player's the right tools to start their week!
We want this to be as interactive as possible so do stay in touch: Host - Sanchez Bailey: @sanchezkbailey_ FFF - @fuelforfootball