Women's Football Hub

#049 Sport Psychology Series Intuition with Melissa Dhillon

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-8zfv4-18bc946

🎙️ Episode Title: Intuition with Melissa Dhillon

Hosted by Dr Ian Cookson
Guest: Melissa Dhillon, Chartered Sport and Exercise Scientist & MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology
Listen now at www.womensfootballhub.com or on your favourite podcast app

🔑 Episode Summary:

In this episode, Dr Ian Cookson sits down with Melissa Dhillon to explore the power of intuition in sport.

Melissa draws on her extensive experience, including her work with Birmingham Women’s and Girls Football Club, to unpack the psychological demands of players and how creating a safe, trusting environment can unlock performance. The episode delves into the differences in psychological needs between men and women in sport, the role of intuition in decision-making, and how flow state can elevate performance.

🧠 Key Topics:

  • The importance of building safe, trusting spaces for athletes to thrive

  • Gender differences in communication and emotional support in football

  • How Melissa uses experience across tennis, golf, and boxing to understand mental demands

  • What intuition really means in sport – and how to train it

  • The balance between technical coaching and allowing players to develop instinctive decision-making

  • Creating flow state and the psychological value of “the zone”

  • Why children are naturally intuitive – and how we often interrupt that

  • Encouraging autonomy and responsibility in players

💬 Key Quote:

“Intuition is the brain’s ability to process stored information based on experience – it’s not magic, it’s learned, and it’s powerful.”

🎯 Who’s it for?

Perfect for coaches, players, parents and support staff who want to better understand the psychological layers that shape confidence and decision-making in female footballers.

📲 Connect with Melissa:

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