Enhancing Team Performance in Football through Shared Mental Models: Evidence-Informed Practice in Elite Sport

 Football is a team sport that requires coordination, communication, and collective decision-making to achieve success on the field. Shared mental models are organized mental representations of the key elements within a team's relevant environment that are shared across team members. In football, shared mental models can play a crucial role in the training and performance of athletes. The use of shared mental models as a mental training tool for footballers has been shown to have a positive impact on enhancing performance and skill acquisition.

 Shared mental models can be developed through mental imagery techniques, such as visualization and self-talk. Visualization involves creating a vivid mental image of the desired action, such as a striker visualizing their shot on goal. Self-talk involves using positive and supportive statements to encourage and motivate oneself and teammates, such as "We can do this" or "We are in control."

 Building on this, the experience of the Moroccan national football team in the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Qatar further exemplifies the impact of shared mental models on team performance. Through the development of shared mental models, the team demonstrated enhanced decision-making, communication, and coordination, ultimately contributing to their improved performance on the field.

 This real-world example aligns with various studies that emphasize the significance of mental models for team adaptation and the role of self-efficacy beliefs in predicting perceptions of team performance. Additionally, research has shown that shared mental models are crucial in high-performing team invasion sports, where collective decision-making and coordination between teammates are essential characteristics.

 Furthermore, a study on the formulation of shared mental models in football players highlighted the development of decision-making ability and the complexity of players' shared mental models, indicating the potential for enhancement through off-field learning environments .

 In conclusion, the Moroccan national football team's performance in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and their continued success in the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Qatar exemplify the impact of shared mental models on team performance in football. By developing a shared understanding of the game plan and working together effectively on the field, teams can improve their decision-making, communication, and coordination, ultimately leading to better performance. This real-world example underscores the significance of shared mental models in elite sport and their potential to enhance team performance.