A study conducted by beverage brand Gatorade found the squad use non-verbal cues to communicate with each other strategically on the pitch and nodding to each other in particular is a powerful signal of confidence, readiness, and determination that can tip the balance between winning and losing.
Gatorade analysed eight games of the Manchester City players and found that over 1,000 non-verbal cues were used by the boys in blue across their eight games and in matches where Manchester City players used over 100 non-verbal cues, the team won 100% of their games with nods increasing by 33%.
The study also showed that where three or more goals were scored, the team’s use of non-verbal cues increased by 19%.
The top five players who used non-verbal cues were Rodri, Rúben Dias, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Kyle Walker who averaged over 45 cues per match and had a 7.5% greater game score on average compared to players who used the gestures less.
Rodri reflected on the findings in the study in a film with Gatorade and said: “The non-verbal communication is very important in the sport we do. Gestures between teammates help to build the effort and mentality of the team. When you see a guy suffering, these things can help a lot. We’re all
human beings, when you see a confident face, it helps. It’s very important.”
Manchester City’s Sport Psychologist David Young, added: “Non-verbal cues are often overlooked, but they can give us an insight into the current emotional state of individuals, as well as potentially enhancing cohesion and performance. Research shows that behaviours on pitch like nodding, scanning and other physical movements can influence individual and team performance.
"It helps build bonds within teams, and if applied effectively, it can help both athletes and coaches convey important messages during both training and games – especially in high-stake environments where you don’t want to let your opponents know what you’re planning."
Watch Gatorade's film here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZzvmWp97_U
