Women's Football Hub

Exploring the Case of the Goalkeeper with ADHD

In this captivating case study, we delve into the journey of a young footballer who was struggling with confidence issues. Dr. Ian Cookson, a sports psychologist in training, shares his insights on how he navigated this case and uncovered the underlying factors contributing to the athlete’s performance challenges.

The Initial Presentation

The case began with the father of an 11-year-old male goalkeeper seeking help for his son’s confidence issues. The athlete was aspiring to join professional academies, but his confidence was a significant barrier. As Dr. Cookson explains, “the starting point was that the father and the coach all said it’s a confidence issue.”

The Needs Analysis Process

To uncover the root cause of the problem, Dr. Cookson conducted a thorough needs analysis, utilising an in-depth intake interview guided by the Performance Interview Guide developed by Mark Aoyagi and Artur Poczwardowski. The goal was to gather a comprehensive understanding of the athlete’s experiences, both on and off the field.

Uncovering the ADHD Connection

During the assessment process, a crucial piece of information emerged – the athlete had been diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD. This revelation prompted Dr. Cookson to delve deeper into how the athlete’s ADHD manifested in the context of his football performance.

The Realisation: Lack of Focus, Not Confidence

As the conversation progressed, a fascinating pattern emerged. The athlete reported feeling confident in high-pressure situations, which contradicted the initial assumption of a confidence issue. Dr. Cookson explains, “He said, in high pressurised games, where you’d expect confidence to dip, he was saying he was more confident. This is why we go through this process. I started to think, okay, well, maybe there’s something else going on.”

Further exploration revealed that the athlete’s struggles were not primarily due to a lack of confidence, but rather a result of his difficulty maintaining focus during the game. As a goalkeeper, he would often find himself “thinking about what he’s going to have for tea while he’s in the middle of a game,” leading to errors in his performance.

Implementing Targeted Strategies

Based on this understanding, Dr. Cookson and the athlete collaborated to develop a tailored intervention plan. The focus shifted from building confidence to enhancing the athlete’s ability to maintain focus and attention during the game. Strategies such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and improved communication with teammates were introduced to help the athlete stay engaged and present on the field.

Measuring Success and Ongoing Support

Over the course of two to three months, the athlete diligently practiced the techniques and skills provided by Dr. Cookson. The father reported observing the athlete’s progress, noting that he could see the athlete “practicing these things, you can see him trying this breathing and this focus and moving more.”

The case highlights the importance of a thorough assessment process and the need to look beyond the initial presenting issue. By addressing the underlying ADHD-related challenges, Dr. Cookson was able to help the athlete improve his performance and regain a sense of control on the field.

Key Takeaways

– Confidence issues may not always be the root cause of an athlete’s struggles; underlying factors, such as ADHD, should be thoroughly investigated.

– The needs analysis process is crucial in sports psychology, as it allows for a deeper understanding of the athlete’s unique experiences and challenges.

– Tailored interventions, focusing on specific skills and strategies, can be more effective than a one-size-fits-all approach.

– Ongoing support and monitoring are essential for the successful implementation and integration of psychological skills into an athlete’s performance.

– Collaboration between the athlete, parents, and the psychologist is key to unlocking the athlete’s full potential.

By embracing a holistic and personalised approach, psychologists can empower athletes to overcome their challenges and reach new heights in their performance.