How To Deal With A Tough Loss
Soccer is a 90-minute battle that can be physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing especially when you lose the game.
As if losing isn’t bad enough, it is more difficult when your team dominated the action throughout the game and a few costly mistakes gave the other team the game.
Can you recall a game where your team controlled most of the game… You had several scoring opportunities but failed to convert…
Nonetheless, you kept pushing the pace feeling good about your chances to score…
Then it happened… a bad pass or you failed to clear the ball and, the next thing you know, the opposing team put the ball in the back of the net…
Now you are trailing 1-0 with merely minutes left to play… That emotional letdown can cause you to press or make more mistakes.
Losing despite dominating the game can be demoralizing… You think, “If it weren’t for THAT one mistake, we would have won the game.”
Dealing with that type of loss can either bring your team together or tear your team apart. Your response to that loss will help forge the team’s identity going forward.
If you allow anger and frustration to infiltrate your team, your team will cease to play together as a team.
It will be every man for himself and will jeopardize your level of play on the field.
Countless great teams have seen successful seasons slip away after that one game that they should have won.
Learning from your mistakes and using the loss as a rallying cry can help bring your team together to re-focus on one common goal.
A positive response to a tough loss can help your team set the tone for the remainder of the season or even the following season.
The Kaizer Chiefs of the South African Premier League faced the Orlando Pirates in hopes of advancing to the next round of the Nedbank Cup.
The Chiefs had opportunities to score but couldn’t put the ball in the net and gave up a goal in the 77th minute and another in the 84th minute to lose the game 2-0.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela felt that his team’s loss was not a true reflection of his team’s performance but understands it is important to take responsibility, learn from their mistakes, and move forward together.
KOMPHELA: “We had a great first half and a good second half. We created more chances and you go on and lose a match like that. There are no explanations you can make, you just have to take it… We should have done better by taking those chances. We need to improve. But we played great football. For the better part of the match they had no solution for our movement. The only two mistakes we made were the two goals we conceded. We pay the price for that.”
How will the Chiefs respond? Only they can determine if they allow the loss to define them or use the loss to recommit to a common goal.
Tip for rallying the team after a devastating loss:
Don’t allow one loss define you. Great teams don’t look back, they look forward.
Learn from your loss and allow it to motivate you to overcome future obstacles as you push forward together as one cohesive unit.
Check Out Our Video Of The Week, Sports Psychology Case Study – Athletes Who Avoid Mistakes!
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?
“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
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?
“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
Leave a Reply