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#049 Sport Psychology Series Intuition with Melissa Dhillon
Manage episode 493828732 series 3599444
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🎙️ Episode Title: Intuition with Melissa Dhillon
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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
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
“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:Website: www.athletesinthezone.com
Instagram: @melissadhillonitz
LinkedIn: Melissa Dhillon
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