Expectations In Soccer
Twenty-three year old English soccer player Callum Wilson has been gaining a lot of momentum in his second year in the Premier League. Signed by Bournemouth back in July 2014, Wilson has made some recent improvements to his game that have gained him much attention.
After scoring four times in the first four games of the season, Wilson was asked about how he obtained this success.
First, Wilson said, he chose to begin the season with a clean slate. After five standout seasons as a Coventry trainee, Wilson stated, “The goals I scored last year don’t count for anything and it’s suddenly time to do it all over again, just this time in the Premier League.” Wilson understood that with a higher level of play comes a higher expectation of performance.
Many times, athletes go into competition with the expectation of winning based on our past performances. Although athletes may think expectations equals confidence, it can actually have a negative impact on performance.
The expectation to succeed causes stress that takes away from your ability to perform at a high level. The best way to approach a match is without any expectation. You should want to focus on the game, rather than the outcome.
Although this outlook is helpful, it can be difficult to obtain without the proper training. After failing to score in Bournemouth’s first two matches, Wilson called on the help of a sports psychologist.
Through the help of sports psychology, Wilson was able to regain focus and relieve the anxiety he was feeling in the beginning of the season.
After turning a hat trick against West Ham in Bournemouth’s third game, Wilson said:
“Quite a few people have asked whether I was nervous before I took a penalty against West Ham, but the truth is that I wasn’t.”
With the help of sports psychology coaching, Wilson was able to greatly increase his performance. Mental training can help talented players make a breakthrough.
With mental training, you too can improve your game.
Tips for improving your performance
Let go of any mental scars you have about past performances. Start each season and game afresh with positive goals.
Learn how to control what you focus on.
You can choose to focus on playing up to others’ expectations or you can focus executing each touch one at a time.
Check Out Our Video of the Week, How Athletes Can Overcome Tentative Performances!
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
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?
“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
Leave a Reply