Resilient Mentality in Soccer
Have you ever played a bad half and had difficulty bouncing back?
Does a bad game affect how confidently you play the next game?
Bouncing back from a poor performance requires a resilient mentality. Resiliency is the ability to recover from tough times.
Resiliency is like being elastic (quickly regaining your form).
If you compress a spring (pressure) and then release it (let it go), the spring will bounce back to its original form (recover).
The same is true of a resilient soccer player.
Great soccer players spring back after a mistake or poor performance.
For example, if you are experiencing a scoring drought, you may start feeling the “pressure” to perform…
You starting thinking negatively, “I just can’t seem to find the back of the net” and your confidence starts plummeting… One bad game leads to more poor performances.
The solution is to “let go” of past plays and performances. By “letting go,” you will be able to “recover” and regain your form.
Let’s see what type of mentality an elite soccer has regarding poor performances and bouncing back:
Jozy Altidore is a 24 year-old striker, who has played professionally since 2006 and made his US National debut in 2007. Altidore recorded goals in five consecutive matches in 2013 to help the Americans qualify for the 2014 World Cup.
This season, Altidore had a difficult time playing in his first year for Sunderland and the elite competition of the English Premier League. Altidore scored only two goals for Sunderland and had his playing time reduced.
Altidore: “Sometimes you just don’t have that streak that you need. You have got to understand it’s going to get better, and it will. It always does.”
Now, as the US squad prepares for the World Cup in Brazil, Altidore’s is attempting to “let go” and bounce back from his poor performances and contribute to the success of the US team.
Altidore: “When it comes to the World Cup, the season is behind you. Everything that matters now is what you do going forward when [Klinsmann] picks that team. Nobody cares about what you did a year or two or three years ago. It’s what you do now.”
Altidore realizes that a resilient mentality is the hallmark of great soccer players.
Altidore: “You are going to go through tough times. In a career in soccer, a lot of it is mental. You have to stay strong at the tough moments because there are going to be a lot of them.”
Try These Tips to Develop a Resilient Mentality
Keep in mind that you are not perfect and everyone has a bad game. One bad game doesn’t mean the next game will be bad, unless you allow it.
Remind yourself of times when you recovered quickly from a bad game. Stay focused on your strengths, play your game and immerse yourself in the present moment. Focusing on your strengths can boost your confidence.
You may be thinking, “That’s easier said than done.”
No one said it would be easy.
How many years have you (or your players) devoted to developing your soccer skills?
Now is the time to dedicate time and commit to develop your mental game.
Improve your mental game in soccer today with our Soccer Confidence Workbook and CD Program!
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.
Parents: Help boost your soccer player’s confidence. Don’t let their mind hold them back any longer.
Soccer Confidence: Mental Toughness Strategies For a Competitive Edge
What are soccer confidence customers saying?
“Our son plays academy level soccer. Jaki taught him how to focus on goals for each game and practice and understand that mistakes are necessary to grow as a player, and helped his perfectionism. We saw a noticeable difference within one month with improvement each month thereafter. He was more confident, happy, and was having fun again at soccer.”
~Linda, Ryan’s Mother
“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
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?
“I have enjoyed and benefited from your emails over the past year or two. I have been a player, parent, and coach in soccer over the past 40 years. Thanks for the assistance with the mental game resources.”
~Kyle Congleton, Soccer Coach and Parent
“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
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
“Our son plays academy level soccer. Jaki taught him how to focus on mini goals for each game and practice, how to lower his expectations and understand that mistakes are necessary to grow as a player, and helped his perfectionism. We saw a noticeable difference within one month with improvement each month thereafter. He was more confident, happy, and was having fun again at soccer. The confidence has helped him off the field as well to not have to be perfect in everything that he attempts. We can’t say enough about how grateful we are for Jaki!”
~Linda Black, Soccer Mom
Hi there
I really need help with my mental game. I play pro and been out for 2 months played my first game today and it was really a mess..I am very embarrassed and made mistakes. I never make. I dont know why.
My head ended up being lost.
Aimee