Mental Toughness Training For Soccer
What knocks you off your game? What is the biggest thing that can happen during a soccer game that causes your play to go downhill?
Is it playing a physically imposing team or a team that has tremendous speed?
Is it a bad play that creates a scoring opportunity for your opponents? Is it playing in the final minutes of a tied game?
Is it a sense of pressure you feel from your teammates, coaches or parents?
There are a variety of situations that can feel stressful and this can negatively affect your play on the pitch.
For instance, take the case of Manny G., a defender for a highly competitive Division I soccer team…
Manny is a freshman who earned a starting role from the first game of the season and has the physical tools to be a top collegiate defender.
Manny is aggressive, has great anticipation and has a deep understanding of how angles can limit scoring opportunities for opposing attackers.
All in all, Manny is a strong defender but there is one thing that knocks him off his game.
When Manny’s team has a one goal lead with minutes left in the game, Manny gets anxious…
Manny’s style of play goes from aggressive to cautious and he seems to be hesitant in situations where he normally knows exactly what to do.
At these times, Manny can feel his heart pounding and is easily faked out opening up scoring chances for his opponents.
Manny has discussed this issue with his coach telling him, “I seem to freeze out there when the game is on the line.”
Manny and his coach know that he has all the physical tools but agree that he needs to learn mental strategies in order to manage the pressure in big moments of games.
Physical skills and physical training is not enough to perform at your peak. If you are not improving your mental game as well, you will never reach your potential as an athlete.
The technical staff for England’s Under 21 team realized that if the team was to maximize their chances of success at Euro 2017, they would need to add mental training to their preparation regimen.
For that reason, the English team brought in a sport psychologist to strengthen their mental game in order to perform at their peak. This happened after the last Under-21 tournament ended in such disappointment.
During the previous tournament, the English squad failed to get out of their group after freezing up in the decisive final game against Italy.
England’s current Under-21 head coach, Aidy Boothroyd, knows that mental training is the key to unlock peak performance.
BOOTHROYD: “I think the psychology of it all is the key, there’s no doubt about that in my mind. You’ve got to get all the other bits right as well… You can be the most gifted player in the world and understand tactically what you’re supposed to do and when you’re supposed to do it.”
“But if you haven’t got that little bit of confidence that makes the difference then you’re not going to get that medal. So we literally don’t want to leave a stone upturned.”
Talent is not enough to unlock your potential. Soccer is a mental game that requires you to be mentally trained in order to optimally meet the unique challenges in each game.
Train Your Mind, Not Just Your Body
You probably do not know exactly what to do to improve your mental game.
If that is the case, find some resources that can put you on the right track.
We help soccer players:
- Improve or regain confidence
- Improve concentration
- Manage expectations
- Overcome mistakes
- Manage perfectionism
- Improve pregame mental prep
- And much more…
You can start by getting your copy of “Soccer Confidence” audio and workbook program:
Discover Mental Game Secrets to Soccer Confidence!
Does your confidence seem to disappear when you go from practice to games?
Do you get nervous and anxious in big games or when under a ton of pressure?
Do you get so frustrated after making a bad pass that your confidence sinks?
If you are ready to improve your mental toughens and perform with ultimate self-confidence in games, check out our program:
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.
Learn the top eight mental game lessons for soccer players to boost your mental game and improve consistency. You’ll learn how to mentally prepare for games to performing under pressure to building unstoppable confidence!
Soccer Confidence: Mental Toughness Strategies For a Competitive Edge
What are our mental game program customers saying?
“My son Alex recently completed your Soccer Mental Training program. I can tell you that he has improved his overall confidence and positive approach before, during, and after games. His stress level regardless of the situation is consistently at a positive and healthy level.”
~Luis Quinones, Soccer Parent
“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
Mental 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?
“With the mental tools my soccer mental training program has given 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
My son made a lot of progress. His focus has sharpened, and it has translated to his play on the field. His confidence continues to grow as he takes on defenders. There is definitely a tangible difference between how he used to play and how he plays now, and I believe it due in large part to your mental training program.”
– Lee, soccer 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
“Adam is truly one of your success stories. We purchased the CD program for him last year around this time. He is a soccer goalie and needed more confidence. The change was dramatic and he still goes through the exercises before a big game.”*
~Stella Prevost
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