More Related Content More from Chuka & Dubem 'The Twins' Okonkwo (6) 'The Follow up: The Next Step To Take1.
THE TW↑NS: Env↑ronMENTAL Training™
A Training, Motivating, Consulting Service
EnvironMENTAL Training is for anyone, but not for everyone.
Anyone can do it, but not everyone will.
2. THE TW↑NS: Env↑ronMENTAL Training™
A Training, Motivating, Consulting Service
© C. & D. Okonkwo 2010
1
‘The Followup: The Next Step To Take’
written by
Chuka Okonkwo & Dubem Okonkwo
3. THE TW↑NS: Env↑ronMENTAL Training™
A Training, Motivating, Consulting Service
© C. & D. Okonkwo 2010
2
Dear Reader,
‘The 2010 South Africa World Cup: England’s Preparations’ was written
with the following in mind: the Football Association, Premier League
clubs, England players and their agents.
‘The Followup: The Next Step To Take ’ is intended for them and also the
general public.
After the reaction to England’s performance in South Africa, we feel it is
correct that the public is included.
In writing ‘The Followup: The Next Step To Take’, we have chosen
reason over emotion, relying on our ‘heads’ not our ‘hearts’ to guide our
thinking.
C. & D. Okonkwo New Year’s Eve 2010
4. THE TW↑NS: Env↑ronMENTAL Training™
A Training, Motivating, Consulting Service
© C. & D. Okonkwo 2010
3
The Followup: The Next Step To Take
Outsiders
In expressing our observations on the inability of English footballers to
concentrate, we will not apologise if our views are considered
unpalatable; nor will we be deterred if our ideas are rejected because
we are considered to be outsiders lacking the necessary accredited
qualifications, having no experience in the sport, and not affiliated to
any official body.
Field of Expertise
Our field of expertise being the science and art of concentration, we are
wise enough to stick to what we know best. We would consider it
foolish to attempt to step into territories that we have little knowledge
of. However, we must direct the reader to our report/proposal* which
was written in January 2010. At the time England had already qualified
for the World Cup and the feeling of success was plain to see.
Correct in Every Detail
We, in our wisdom, did not share the nation’s confidence, and as later
events in South Africa proved, the report/proposal* was correct in
every detail. Anyone doubting us should read what was written and also
study the performances (both good and bad) of teams in the
tournament. They will see that the teams that played better had players
who were able to concentrate and therefore make better use of their
skills and talents, unlike the teams whose star players were unable to
focus.
5. THE TW↑NS: Env↑ronMENTAL Training™
A Training, Motivating, Consulting Service
© C. & D. Okonkwo 2010
4
The Followup: The Next Step To Take
The Blame Game
The blame game that followed England’s dismal performance in South
Africa was fuelled by the usual excuses, masquerading as reasons: the
manager’s strict tactics, the long season, the weight of expectation, the
team selection, the outdated 4‐4‐2 system, the manager’s limited
command of English, the nationality of the manager and his staff, the
players were too old, the players were not young enough, the players
didn’t care enough, and lastly, things would have been different if the
manager was English!
Frustrated Reactions
We do not share the above sentiments. Were any of these comments
supposed to be wisdom after the event, or were they simply the
frustrated reactions to England’s triumphant return as champions of the
world not materialising as everyone had hoped?
Fear, Doubts, Anxiety
We strongly believe that England has the right manager and players
who are capable of playing and succeeding at the highest level.
However, their success, as well as their talent, will be forever stifled by
the fear, doubts, anxiety and trepidation rife in the England camp.
6. THE TW↑NS: Env↑ronMENTAL Training™
A Training, Motivating, Consulting Service
© C. & D. Okonkwo 2010
5
The Followup: The Next Step To Take
We Challenge Anyone
We challenge anyone to tell us that confidence permeates the hearts of
England players. They lacked it then; they lack it now. Anyone thinking
otherwise is deluded. One doesn’t have to be a qualified coach or a
professional player to recognise the lack of confidence in the stoop and
gait of the players. Observing their body language, it is clear to see that
all is not well in their minds. Are these men who have been trained in
the science and art of concentration? If they are, then what is preventing
them from performing to the best of their abilities?
Poor Attention Span
That few in our society understand the science and art of concentration
is evident by the poor attention span that is the accepted norm today.
This is hardly surprising when so few have taken the trouble to study or
to understand what can be achieved when the mind is trained to
concentrate. There is no mystery to the power of concentration; the
only mystery is why it is not given more consideration.
7. THE TW↑NS: Env↑ronMENTAL Training™
A Training, Motivating, Consulting Service
© C. & D. Okonkwo 2010
6
The Followup: The Next Step To Take
Like Any Activity
Football is like any activity in life, in that to perform well, good
concentration is required. When players line up on the pitch, no matter
what distractions may be, all that should matter is the game before
them. And since football does not differ from other activities in life,
there is no reason why the importance of concentration should not be
drilled into the mind of every player regardless of their level.
Our Philosophy
The philosophy of EnvironMENTAL Training is simple: ‘In order to
perform your best at the highest level, you have to be able to
concentrate.’ This is why we recommend that the practice of intensive
concentration exercises should be used as a supplement to every
training regime.
Thinkers, Scientists, and Inventors
If the reader does not understand what we are saying about
concentration, they should do some research on the subject. When they
have done so, they will discover what many, over the centuries, have
discovered about the subject of concentration. The founders of the
various styles of martial arts in the East, the great thinkers, scientists
and inventors in the West provide examples of men and women who
demonstrate the benefits of concentration.
8. THE TW↑NS: Env↑ronMENTAL Training™
A Training, Motivating, Consulting Service
© C. & D. Okonkwo 2010
7
The Followup: The Next Step To Take
Up To a Point
Certificates from accredited bodies are good, up to a point, as is
experience in a particular area related to one’s sport. However, none of
these can take the place of innovation. Novel ideas come to those who
search in areas outside their speciality.
They were Able to Concentrate
The successful Brazilian, Dutch, German and Spanish teams, who took
football to another level, did so, by encouraging fresh ideas. ‐ They were
successful because they were able to concentrate. ‐ It didn’t matter where
the ideas came from, so long as they worked and brought success.
Good Training
The science and art of concentration is hardly voodoo. The power to
concentrate is a faculty and part of our make‐up. Successful individuals
make use of this power, consciously or unconsciously. Good training is
essential and will improve the power of concentration in anyone who is
prepared to work at it. Success is gained by practice, like every art in
life.
9. THE TW↑NS: Env↑ronMENTAL Training™
A Training, Motivating, Consulting Service
© C. & D. Okonkwo 2010
8
The Followup: The Next Step To Take
They Have a Choice
The Football Association, Premier League clubs, players and their agents
have a choice: they can seek ways to address the poor levels of
concentration affecting the performance of players, or everyone can
pretend that the problem doesn’t exist. The current manager (who, until
events in South Africa, was hailed as a messiah1) has the necessary
qualifications and success to succeed at the job. But his hard work and
effort will be wasted if players are unable to concentrate. How can
players expect to make full use of their talents, or the coaching they
receive, if they are unable to concentrate?
A Serious Problem
Our initial intention in writing the report/proposal* was, and still
remains, to train players to train themselves to concentrate: players
who are truly concerned about the effect of poor concentration on their
game, see it as a serious problem, and are prepared to do something
about it; and players who understand that the development of the
power to concentrate is as important to their game as their salaries and
sponsorship deals.
1Fabio Capello was ranked No.1 in The Times Sport Power 100 March 2010
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/more_sport/sport_power_100/article908
9096.ece
10. THE TW↑NS: Env↑ronMENTAL Training™
A Training, Motivating, Consulting Service
© C. & D. Okonkwo 2010
9
The Followup: The Next Step To Take
No Relevance
English footballers should be given the opportunity to read the
report/proposal.* After reading it, who will say that they’re not
interested in improving their power to concentrate, and thinks that the
recommendation to supplement their training regime with the practice
of intensive concentration exercises has no relevance since it doesn’t
come from (a) an accredited body or (b) with glowing testimonials, and
therefore is a waste of their time.
Along Came The Agents!
There was a time when the clubs told players what they (the players)
were worth; then along came the agents and whispered a different
language in their ear ‐ one that resonated with how many players felt ‐
and the modern game has not been the same.
The Time Has Come
No matter what anyone believes they know, no one ‐ and this includes
us ‐ has a monopoly on wisdom or knowledge.
The time has come for today’s players to seek inspiration from sources
outside the game. They should not only be concerned with their salaries
and sponsorship deals; it is also their responsibility to ensure that they
are made aware of better ways to improve their training and
performance on the pitch.
*The 2010 World Cup South Africa: England’s Preparations
11. THE TW↑NS: Env↑ronMENTAL Training™
A Training, Motivating, Consulting Service
© C. & D. Okonkwo 2010
10
The Followup: The Next Step To Take
INDEX
Abilities 5 Better 3,9
Accepted 5 Blame Game, The 4
Accredited 3,7,9 Body Language 5
Activity 6 Brazilian 7
Activities 6
Affiliated 3 Centuries 6
Agents 8,9 Certificates 7
Along Came The Agents 9 Challenge 5
Anxiety 4 Champions 4
Apologise 3 Choice 8
Art 3,5,7 Clubs 8,9
Attempt 3 Coach 5
Attention span 5 Coaching 8
Come 7,9
Believes 9 Concerned 8,9
Benefits 6 Concentrate 3,5,6,7,8,9
Best 3,5,6 Concentration 3,5,6,7,8,9
12. THE TW↑NS: Env↑ronMENTAL Training™
A Training, Motivating, Consulting Service
© C. & D. Okonkwo 2010
11
The Followup: The Next Step To Take
INDEX
Confidence 3,5 Ear 9
Consciously 7 East, The 6
Consideration 5 England 3, 4,5,9
Correct in Every Detail 3 English 4
English footballers 3,4,9
Deals 8,9 Ensure 9
Deluded 5 EnvironMENTAL … 6
Demonstrate 6 Essential 7
Detail 3 Events 3,8
Deterred 3 Excuses 4
Development 8 Exercises 6,9
Different 4,9 Expectation 4
Discovered 6 Experience 3,7
Dismal 4 Expertise 3
Distractions 6
Drilled 6 Fear, Doubts, Anxiety 4
Dutch 7 Feeling 3
13. THE TW↑NS: Env↑ronMENTAL Training™
A Training, Motivating, Consulting Service
© C. & D. Okonkwo 2010
12
The Followup: The Next Step To Take
INDEX
Felt 9 Hearts 5
Field 3 Highest 4,6
Field of Expertise 3
Focus 3 Ideas 3,7
Foolish 3 Important 8
Football 6,7,8 Improve 7,9
Footballers 3,9 Inability 3
Frustrated Reactions 4 Individuals 7
Innovation 7
Gait 5 Inspiration 9
Game 4,6,8,9 Intensive 6,9
German 7 Intention 8
Glowing 9 Interested 9
Good 3,6,7
Good and bad 3 January 2010
Good Training 7
Know best 3
Hailed 8 Knowledge 3,9
14. THE TW↑NS: Env↑ronMENTAL Training™
A Training, Motivating, Consulting Service
© C. & D. Okonkwo 2010
13
The Followup: The Next Step To Take
INDEX
Lack, Lacked 5 9 Nationality 4
Language 5,9 Nation’s 3
Level 4,6,7 Necessary 3,8
Levels 8 No matter 9
Life 6,7 No Relevance 9
Like Any Activity 6 Novel 7
Manager 4,8 Observations 3
Martial arts 6 Official body 3
Masquerading 4 Opportunity 9
Materialising 4 Our Philosophy 6
Messiah 8 Outside 7,9
Mind, The 5,6 Outsiders 3
Minds 5
Modern 9 Performance 4,8,9
Monopoly 9 Performances 3
Mystery 5 Performing 5
15. THE TW↑NS: Env↑ronMENTAL Training™
A Training, Motivating, Consulting Service
© C. & D. Okonkwo 2010
14
The Followup: The Next Step To Take
INDEX
Permeates 5 Recommend 6
Pitch 6,9 Recommendation 9
Players 3,4,5,6,8,9 Regime 6,9
Poor Attention Span 5 Rejected 3
Poor concentration 8 Relevance 9
Poor levels 8 Report/proposal 3,8,9
Power 5,7,8,9 Required 6
Practice 6,7,9 Resonated 9
Prepared 7,8 Responsibility 9
Problem 8 Rife 4
Professional 5
Salaries 8,9
Qualifications 3,8 Same 9
Qualified 3,5 Science and Art 3,5,7
Search 7
Reader 3,6 Seek 8,9
Reading 9 Selection 4
Reasons 4 Sentiments 3
16. THE TW↑NS: Env↑ronMENTAL Training™
A Training, Motivating, Consulting Service
© C. & D. Okonkwo 2010
15
The Followup: The Next Step To Take
INDEX
Serious Problem, A 8 Talent 4
Skills 3 Talents 3,8
Society 5 Teams 3,7
Sources 9 Tell 5
South Africa 3,4,8,9 Territories 3
Spanish 7 Testimonials 9
Sponsorship deals 8,9 They Have A Choice 8
Sport 3,7,8 They Were Able 7
Star players 3 Thinkers, Scientists… 6
Stifled 3 Thinking 5
Stoop 5 Time 3,9
Study 3,5 Time Has Come, The 9
Success 3,4,7,8 Today 5
Successful 7 Today’s 9
Suggestion 9 To Do Something 9
Supplement 6,9 Tournament 3
17. THE TW↑NS: Env↑ronMENTAL Training™
A Training, Motivating, Consulting Service
© C. & D. Okonkwo 2010
16
The Followup: The Next Step To Take
INDEX
Train 8 Waste 9
Trained 5 Wasted 8
Training 6,7,9 Ways 8,9
Trepidation 4 We Challenge Anyone 5
Trouble 5 Well 4,5,6
West, The 6
Unconsciously 7 Whispered 9
Understand 5,6,8 Wisdom 3,4,9
Unpalatable 3 Wise 3
Up To A Point 7 Work 7,8
Worked 7
Views 3 World Cup 3,9
Voodoo 7 Writing 8