Winning a penalty shootout takes mental toughness: luckily, that can be taught

The dreaded, game-deciding penalty shootouts have begun at the World Cup 2014. After 120 minutes of physically and emotionally draining play, players must line up and one by one take the goalie on from the spot. Heroes and villains are made with penalties, and anyone watching – whether or not they’re supporting one of the teams involved – would sympathise with the players involved.

Winning a penalty shootout takes mental toughness:  but luckily, that can be taught. Dr Gavin Lawrence, a Lecturer in Motor Control & Learning and  Dr Stuart Beattie, Lecturer in Psychology, both at the School of Sport, Health & Exercise Sciences explain how in an article in The Conversation.

Publication date: 1 July 2014