Analysis, Long reads The 1v1 Project Analysis, Long reads The 1v1 Project

Are goalkeepers really crazy? The psychology behind the last line of defence

Goalkeepers have long been branded the "crazy" ones on the football pitch. Standing alone between the posts, flinging themselves at feet and footballs with seemingly reckless abandon – there's certainly something different about the players who choose this unique position. But is this reputation for eccentricity rooted in psychological reality, or is it simply football folklore?

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Under pressure: The psychological challenge of football management

The life of a football manager is rarely calm. One minute, you’re the tactical genius; the next, you’re facing a stadium of hostile fans singing "You're getting sacked in the morning." The psychological weight carried by head coaches in the dugout is immense, yet their resilience offers valuable lessons that extend far beyond the pitch.

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What legendary Premier League captains can teach us about leadership

From Roy Keane’s intimidating presence at Man United to Vincent Kompany’s quiet professionalism at Man City, Premier League captains employ diverse approaches to leadership. Whether through vocal commands, tactical intelligence, inspirational performances, or cultural influence, these leaders share one common trait: extraordinary mental resilience under pressure.

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How three-time Olympic champion Adam Peaty plans for pressure – and builds real resilience

After Paris 2024, three-time Olympic champion Adam Peaty took to social media to share the two visual roadmaps that helped him stay on track in the 12 months leading up to the Games. We explore five key mental resilience insights from these roadmaps, connecting each to broader principles that could be applied beyond the sporting world. 

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How athletes navigate post-Olympic blues and what we can learn

The cheers fade. The medals are put away. The once-packed Olympic Village empties out. And for many elite athletes, an unexpected rival emerges: post-Olympic depression. This article explores why achievement can sometimes lead to emotional lows and provides practical tools from elite sports psychology that work for athletes and non-athletes alike.

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