John Connolly

PhD candidate in VR’s use in Sport Coaching with LBU & SFC. Sport Science Graduate. Youth soccer coach Passionate about Skill Acquisition

[John Connolly @Johnolly7]

Delighted to share some insights into my PhD and work I'm carrying out with Southampton F.C

https://t.co/G0C3qREEhi

[Harry Ramsey @harryramsey400]

Check out our recently published research on decision-making in football with insights from international level football players! ⚽️ https://t.co/9qedGzaJP8

See a summary of the research below along with a video by @FootballMeta1 overviewing the key findings of the paper
⬇️

[Dylan Jardon 🌈 @DylanJardon]

"Perfection is impossible.

In the 1,526 singles matches I played in my career, I won almost 80% of those matches.

But what percentage of points did I win?

54%

In other words, even top ranked tennis players win barely more than half the points they play.

When you lose ever second point on average, you learn not to dwell on every shot.

You teach yourself to think:
'Okay, I double faulted...it's only a point.'
'Okay, I came to the net and I got passed again...it's only a point.'

Even a great shot, an overhead backhand smash that ends up on ESPN's top 10 playlist – that too is just a point.

Here's why I'm telling you this.

When you're playing a point, it has to be the most important thing in the world. And it is.

But when it's behind you, it's behind you.

This mindset is crucial – because it frees you to fully commit to the next point with intensity, clarity, and focus."

–@rogerfederer

[Phil Kearney @kearney_phil]

Perfect practice makes perfect? Not so. The effortful pursuit of perfect results in a representative environment designed to make attaining such results difficult makes perfect. Not so catchy, but perhaps more accurate.

[Karl Marius Aksum @aksumfootball]

Everything you need to know about skill acquisition can be found in this video 😂👌

[James Feist @JamesFeist_]

🚨NEW STUDY🚨

Scanning in Elite Women’s Soccer⚽️

Many thanks to the team @NaomiDatson , @OliverRunswick , @AliceHarkness1 and @ChrisPocock_

https://t.co/XAZdeZ0KvO

@chiuni @ChiUniSport @ChiUniPress @ChiUni_Research

[John Connolly @Johnolly7]

Great piece highlighting the importance the environment has in sport development.

“If your kid gets good at the game, that doesn’t necessarily make them love the game.

If your kid loves the game, it’s likely they’ll become good at it.

It’s the love that should be first”

[Joe Pompliano @JoePompliano]

These are some wise words from Padraig Harrington 👏

[Rob Gray ⚾️👁 @ShakeyWaits]

Distinguishing skill from technique in football https://t.co/EDMb7wk8T4

[Jack Walton @jackwalton1]

Invasion game/football coaches - if you find yourself emotionally attached to non-directional practices where possession is maintained for no purpose, this is a good investment of time to read.

[Training Ground Guru @ground_guru]

🧠 How @FCKobenhavn are leading the way in brain training
https://t.co/vgulhyg4bm

[Derek Alberts @derekalberts1]

Siya Kolisi’s beautiful final words to his coach.

[Irish Sport and Exercise Sciences Association @IrishSESA]

The Irish Sport and Exercise Sciences Association will officially launch on Wednesday November 8th, 2023 at @sportireland HQ.

There are a limited number of spaces available for anyone who may wish to attend the launch which you can register for below.

All RT's appreciated!

[⚽️Pedro Mendonça🧠 @PedMenCoach]

In Ange Postecoglou's view, training is about equipping players with tools so that in games, they find answers within themselves! Training blocks designed to prepare the team for any opposition; the week isn't just about the next match (you never know what might happen). CREATE SCENARIOS for players to grasp cues and know what to do! 🌟⚽️ #EmpowerPlayers #StrategicTraining

🎞️Celtic TV🍀

[Movement & Skill Acquisition Ireland @MSAIreland]

Are you interested in exploring the science of skill acquisition?

Join us in Cork November 17th-18th 2023 for #MSAI2023

For tickets and further details, see: https://t.co/cFTUiBF2Ir

[Training Ground Guru @ground_guru]

Only just seen this from Arsene Wenger (from 2016) and it's brilliant.

"Let’s not be a fool: the game belongs to the players, it’s as simple as that.

Why? You play 11 against 11 - that’s a billion different situations possible and no situation is exactly the same as the previous one.

So the player has always to... perceive the situation, make a decision and execute. No manager in the world can absolutely tell the player what will happen to him - the player has to make that decision on the pitch.

You have to put them in a position where they can make clear decisions and that’s why you have great players and less great players."

https://t.co/fV5MzTZBsu

[Jonathan Walters @JonWalters19]

Eye Opening…

Staggering stats. 97% of former cat 1 academy players now aged 21 to 26 never made an EPL appearance.

70% weren't handed a pro contract at an EPL or EFL club. And only 1 in 10 went on to make more than 20 league appearances in the top four tiers of English football.
From @DalglishPaul

[EuroFoot @eurofootcom]

🇵🇹🔵 Porto with one of the most satisfying goals ever. Fantástico.

[Steve Price @kleaguefootball]

Players are using VR to improve their scanning and decision making. I spoke to FC Copenhagen about the technology: @ForbesSports #VirtualReality
https://t.co/9daoP1WFfH

[Phil Kearney @kearney_phil]

Guidelines on developing decision making in sport - very nice paper from Tim Janssen, Daniel Muller and @david_l_mann. While primarily focused on VR, they provide a useful critique of video-based approaches also.

Students on #SS4145 take note please.

https://t.co/P7hpHLJ246

[Alan Byrne @ancoraemparo]

Did your Dad put any pressure on you?

"Nah, he was one of those who would stand in the corner on the sideline with his jacket on and hood up, saying nothing - that helped me,"

Imagine if we just let the kids play and enjoy their sport!

Parents + Coaches 🤫🤐⚽️🇮🇪

[Megan Hill @Meg_Hill13]

🆕 Beyond the coaches eye: Understanding the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of maturity selection biases in male academy soccer - Megan Hill, Thomas John, Darragh McGee, Sean P. Cumming, 2023
https://t.co/jhHbRc0x7P