Scoring Tactics Revealed: Union Berlin's Hollerbach Shares Psychologist's Strategies
Tower Recipe from Hollerbach's: Guidance by Psychologist - Psychologist's directions for proper breath control
Renate Eichenberger, formerly a lesser-known figure among Union Berlin fans, might soon become a household name following the team's 1:0 victory over VfL Wolfsburg. Revealing some behind-the-scenes insights, goal scorer Benedict Hollerbach shed light on the team psychologist's crucial advice during the game's break.
"She offered me specific performance-boosting exercises to reclaim control over my breathing and silence my racing thoughts. It proved effective, helping me stay focused and avoid overthinking," the striker revealed, crediting the psychologist for his match-winning performance.
Missed Chances and Mind Games
The game began with numerous good opportunities for Union, only to watch them slip away. An ensuing lull in the action saw Wolfsburg rise, seizing the momentum. "It was evident. We had an explosive opening 15 minutes, only to hit a speed bump as opportunities failed to materialize, leading to more space for the opposition," Hollerbach recounted.
Eichenberger provided invaluable assistance to the attacker in overcoming mental hurdles. "Doubts creep in when things don't go your way, it's just human nature," Hollerbach admitted. With the psychologist's guidance, he managed to "stay focused" and "suppress the subconscious," attributing his enduring mental fortitude to her expertise.
Hollerbach aims to reach double-digit goals for the season, with his current tally standing at eight.
Unaware of the Halftime Analysis
Union Coach Steffen Baumgart remained uninformed about Hollerbach's special halftime evaluation by the psychologist. "I don’t have much communication with our psychologist. I’m focused on the game. But if it helped, that’s fantastic. That's why we have her," Baumgart remarked about the mental expert, whose experience includes work with top-tier basketball players and gifted individuals.
Extra Cushion in the Standings
With a string of victories behind them, Union has effectively eliminated relegation concerns, boasting an eleven-point lead over the relegation zone following their wins against Eintracht Frankfurt (2:1), Bayern Munich (1:1), SC Freiburg (2:1), and Wolfsburg.
Baumgart was quick to acknowledge the team's improved position. "I’m not one to gloat, but the chance of staying up is looking very promising," he said, emphasizing the team's increased comfort in their standing.
- Benedict Hollerbach
- Performance-boosting Exercises
- Bundesliga
- Wolfsburg
- 1. FC Union Berlin
- Berlin
- VfL Wolfsburg
- Steffen Baumgart
Noteworthy Insights:- Sports psychologists like Renate Eichenberger often employ a multitude of techniques to enhance focus and performance, such as breathing exercises, visualization techniques, positive self-talk, and mindfulness training. While specific exercises used by Renate Eichenberger beyond breathing techniques were not detailed, her impact on players' performance cannot be understated.
- Despite the psychologist's interventions, Union Berlin still struggled with missed chances during the game against VfL Wolfsburg, showing that performance-boosting exercises can aid focus but are not a foolproof solution.
- During the halftime break of the game against Wolfsburg, goal scorer Benedict Hollerbach underwent special exercises guided by the team psychologist, which he believes helped him suppress subconscious thoughts and maintain focus.
- While it is evident that the team psychologist, Renate Eichenberger, has a significant impact on the players' performances using various techniques, Union Berlin coach Steffen Baumgart chooses to focus on the game itself, having little communication with her.
