Advantages of Visualization in Soccer
Your mental game in soccer is very important to success. One way to increase confidence, create a positive mindset, and develop composure is through visualization or mental rehearsal.
Three Advantages of Visualization for Soccer Players
- You can do it anywhere.
- While it does not replace physical practice, it can be done in addition to fitness and training. You are able to further practice your skills without additional fatigue or wear and tear on your body
- You can create any situation in your mind- a high-pressure penalty kick, a hard tackle, a breakaway. You might not always be able to set these up in practice, but you can through visualization.
If you are a high level athlete, you have probably heard about the use of visualization, mental rehearsal, or mental imagery to improve performance. As a soccer player, you might wonder how visualization works and if you can improve your performance by merely imagining success.
Most professional soccer players use visualization, but many miss out on its power. Some athletes think that if they are not sweating, and don’t physically practice with a ball at their feet, they can’t improve.
“Visualize this thing that you want, see it, feel it, believe in it. Make your mental blue print, and begin to build.”
~Robert Collier
We know that what you think about, see, or feel in your mind impacts your performance. You want to program your mind for confidence, focus, composure, and execution.
How does visualization work for soccer players?
When you imagine yourself performing at your very best, you activate the neurons that would fire if you were to physically perform the skill. You are programing your mind so that when you do perform, your mind has already practiced what you want your body to do.
How to use mental rehearsal for soccer?
Visualization takes time and practice to master, just like any new skill.
Here are some tips to begin to use mental rehearsal as a regular part of your practice and pregame routine:
- Use your dominant learning style– Imagine sounds, smells, touch, and taste in addition to visual cues or how you like to learn and perform. These include the sounds of the crowd yelling, smell of the grass, feel of the ball at your feet, and taste the sweat. The more details you use while visualizing the better your subconscious will program it into your mind.
- Visualize from multiple points of view– While you visualize you want to take two different perspectives: The perspective of a bystander watching yourself, and also a first person view point (basically what you would see if you were actually performing). These two points of view will give you more information and increase the quality of your mental images.
- Your visualization should be positive– See yourself doing what you want to do and performing your best. Imagine your shots are powerful and driven to the corner net, your speed as you push the ball past and defender and slot the ball in on a break away, your tackles are hard and solid on defense etc.
- Make it a consistent part of your routine– Top-level soccer players commit to using visualization everyday for at least 5-30 minutes. You will also benefit from using visualization before games to mentally prepare for your performance.
At Soccer Psychology by Peak Performance Sports, we design custom imagery programs to help you rehearse mental skills and get the most of visualization.
Contact us today if you are interested in working with a mental coach at Peak Performance Sports or want more details about custom imagery programs.
Download our free e-book, “7 Mental Game Challenges that Block Soccer Player’s Success”, and learn how to overcome other mental game barriers soccer players face.
Do You Make Any of These ‘Costly’ Mental Game Mistakes?
Download our FREE soccer psychology report and discover if you make any of these ‘costly’ mental game mistakes that can block your success.
You’ll discover:
- How your soccer mind can be your best or worst asset on the field.
- How frustration and dwelling are your worst enemy.
- If you are using your soccer mindset effectively before games.
- Learn the important mental game of soccer skills you need to master to boost your confidence and performance.
7 ‘Costly’ Mental Game Mistakes That Block Soccer Players’ Success
What are soccer psychology subscribers saying?
“We try and spend 20 to 30 minutes a day working on the mental aspects of the game. My daughter is really enjoying it and feels it has helped and I know it has worked for her mother and I. I think you need to open a branch up here in Detroit, Michigan because there are a lot of parents and kids up here that need this information. Keep up the good work!”
~Scott Burgess, Soccer Parent
Learn Mental Game Secrets to Soccer Confidence!
Does your confidence seem to disappear when you go from practice to games and don’t know why? Do you get nervous and anxious in big games or when you are under a ton of pressure? Do you get so frustrated when you make a bad pass which causes your confidence to sink?
Check out Soccer Confidence: Mental Toughness Strategies For a Competitive Edge
Learn proven strategies to improve focus, composure and confidence so you can perform at your peak in games!
Players: Get the mental edge by learning how to take control of your confidence, mentally prepare for games and perform with composure under pressure.
Trainers: Learn how to give your students the mental game advantage.
Coaches: Boost your team’s confidence using simple proven mental strategies.
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Soccer Confidence: Mental Toughness Strategies For a Competitive Edge
What are soccer confidence customers saying?
“Dr. Cohn, Michelle had the best weekend of soccer she has ever played. She was relaxed, did not get frustrated with herself or teammates, and never once ‘shut down.’ Numerous parents noticed a difference in her composure and attitude. Thanks again for EVERYTHING…Michelle is in a very good place right now!”
~Diana, Michelle’s Mother
Mental Game Coaching for Soccer Players
Master mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn can help you overcome your mental game issues with personal coaching.
You can work with Dr. Patrick Cohn himself in Orlando, Florida or via Skype, FaceTime, or telephone. Call us toll free at 888-742-7225 or contact us for more information about the different coaching programs we offer!
We look forward to helping you improve your mental toughness!
What are our mental coaching students saying?
“Jaki is amazingly talented. She has a pretty cool way of guiding you to find those issues that are holding you back in your game. Through some pretty clever questions she’s been guiding me to discover the real issues behind my doubts and lack of confidence. With the tools she’s been giving me, I can say with full confidence I am on my way of signing a better professional contract.”
~Lucas Gonzales, Professional Soccer Player in Australia
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