The Mental Game Archives

Inside the Football Brain: Why Mental Reps Are as Important as Physical Ones

Written on 9th October 2025.

When people think of football training, they picture players sprinting across the pitch, lifting in the gym, or running through endless drills....

Written on 30th July 2025.

Learn how elite footballers train their brains to stay calm and make fast, smart decisions under pressure—and how these same skills prepare them...

Written on 28th May 2025.

The IQ Football way is the basis of our club culture and requires buy-in from the players, parents, and coaches. Our IQ football technical coaches...

Written on 6th November 2024.

Football has evolved into a science-driven sport where elite players rely on more than just physical strength and speed. As neuroscience in...

Written on 29th July 2024.

In the ever-evolving landscape of youth sports, the integration of neuroscience into training regimens is revolutionising the way we approach...

Written on 30th May 2024.

As established in Part 1, scanning is about looking ahead, anticipating where the ball will be, and knowing what to do with it once in...

Written on 2nd May 2024.

Scanning is when a player looks around with head and eye movements to receive information about their environment before or after touching the...

Written on 6th December 2023.

If you know IQ Football, you know we are passionate about fact-based brain-centred training.

Written on 22nd September 2023.

A great kids soccer club will have a lasting impact that has the potential to change the trajectory of a child’s life.

Written on 31st May 2023.

Over the past two months, we’ve focussed on football intelligence and come to the conclusion that it most certainly can and must be developed. The...

Written on 3rd April 2023.

Football intelligence and executive functions are hot topics, and they should be hotter. Their importance cannot be underestimated. Whoever said...

Written on 22nd February 2023.

How can football help forge resilience? Every player will experience failure and success. It is how the player uses these experiences, their...