‘Lapses of Concentration: The Arsenal Football Team’

EnvironMENTAL Training is a training consultancy specialising in the science and art of concentration. The service is aimed at those who suffer from poor concentration, and are willing and prepared to take the necessary steps to address the problem.

EnvironMENTAL Training's philosophy on concentration will not be discussed here, as a full explanation can be found in the following reports:

(1) ' The 2010 World Cup South Africa: England’s Preparations'

(2) 'The Follow-up: The Next Step To Take'

The first report was written in January 2010, the second, December 2010. Both reports discuss what EnvironMENTAL Training sees as the major problem affecting many players in the Premier League.

Apart from toothless sound bites made during pre- or post-match interviews, on the importance of staying focused, what steps have individual players taken to improve their power to concentrate?

The concern for Arsenal Football Club (with its crop of talented individuals under the guidance of one of the most experienced managers in the game) should be how to address the problem of lapses of concentration that many of their players are prone to.

In our analysis of the mental state of these players during games, we have observed that concentration levels fluctuate at crucial moments. Since Arsenal Football Club is reputed to employ psychology in the training of its players, this should not be the case. But it is the case; so if the manager's philosophy and beliefs are to bear any fruit, then every player needs to take the necessary steps to sort this problem out.

‘Lapses of Concentration: The Arsenal Football Team’

Every player who dons an Arsenal shirt should constantly ask himself what steps he has personally taken to develop and strengthen his power to concentrate. By doing this he takes full responsibility for his mental state, and is then in a better position to monitor his mood during matches.

Unless every player resolves to personally develop and strengthen his power of concentration with intensive mental training, mental discipline and regular self-examination, the team will continue to suffer the results of lapses of concentration.

The players have heard the philosophy in the dressing room and on the training ground, but have they made it their own? If they have, then they should play with an unshakeable belief in themselves and their abilities, and perform as if there were several Arsene Wengers on the pitch.

It is time for Arsenal players to see that this philosophy is ingrained in their subconscious minds; the day that happens Arsenal will truly feel invincible.

Chuka Okonkwo & Dubem Okonkwo (The Tw↑ns) Env↑ronMENTAL Training Agents