Smarter, Not Harder: Maximise Your Elite Inner Performance

The straight-talking advice manual for footballers who want to unlock their potential on and off the pitch. No fluff, no jargon – just real football stories and proven tools for success.

By Rob Blackburne, the performance coach trusted by professional footballers across the Premier League, Championship and beyond.

This powerful book gives you:

• Real football stories – lessons from Premier League players, World Cup winners and pros fighting for contracts
• Simple, jargon-free advice – straight-talking, easy-to-read guidance you can actually use that’s written in the language of football
• On and off the pitch impact – tools to improve your performances in games and in life
• Confidence that lasts – build courage first and watch confidence follow
• Freedom from pressure – learn how to let go of mistakes and play without fear
• Simple systems, big results – morning and evening routines, mindset hacks and practical exercises
• Action over theory – every chapter includes tasks to help you apply what you’ve learnt straight away
• Advice for pros and ambitious amateurs – aimed at professional footballers, but powerfully transformative for anyone chasing elite performance

With its easily transferrable mindset tools, this is a must-read not only for footballers, but for athletes in other sports and anyone seeking freedom from pressure in a high-stakes environment, whether in business or life.

The author:

Rob Blackburne is a performance coach trusted by professional footballers across the Premier League, Championship and beyond. After coming through Chelsea’s youth system and playing non-league football, Rob discovered that the real battles were in the mind. His approach is different, with the focus firmly on lived experience and practical tools. Rob has helped hundreds of players transform their performances on the pitch and their lives off it.

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Pitch Publishing
20 x 13 cm
Paperback
296 pages
January 2026
English
9781801509947