How to Focus on The Process in Soccer
“We are focused on the process” has become a catch phrase in sports.
Teams such as the NBA Philadelphia Sixers, the NFL New England Patriots and the MLB New York Yankees use the term “process” to describe the focus of their teams.
But what does “focus on the process” actually mean?
How does it apply to the sport of soccer?
“Focus on the process” can be confusing for many athletes.
The confusion lies in the misconception regarding winning and process.
Many soccer players see “process” and “winning” as complete opposites. Not true!
Winning is scoring more goals than the other team.
When you score more goals, you are elated.
When the other team scores more goals, you are deflated.
Winning is success and losing is failure.
It is an all-or-nothing approach that creates fear, anxiety and pressure.
What about the process?
The process is committing and focusing on what you need to do daily to be successful whether it is improving team cohesion, better conditioning, staying poised in big matches or making accurate passes.
The process is your plan to achieve your ultimate objective.
In this definition, losing is not failure.
If your team had improved ball control but lost 1-0, you are still a step closer to your ultimate objective.
That’s a success.
The most beneficial aspect of the process is that you continue building momentum towards your objective which also builds your confidence.
Focusing on the process is something the US Men’s National Team has adopted as they try to improve their performances in international competition.
In two recent friendlies, the US squad faced international powerhouses, France and Brazil.
The match against France ended in a 1-1 tie and the match against Brazil was a 2-0 loss.
In both matches, the US squad fell behind early but stayed true to their focus on the process.
The US team didn’t worry about losing.
Instead, the US was committed to improving and getting their game to the next level.
In each game, the US Men’s Team could have folded but their focus on the process kept them in the game as they worked towards their ultimate objective, competing for an eventual World Cup.
US head coach Dave Sarachan commented on the team’s mentality and approach to each game, even after falling behind Brazil 1-0 only 11 minutes into their game.
SARACHAN: “It could have been a situation where maybe the shoulders slumped, the confidence was blown. That’s one of the things I’ve noticed in this group that I’ve had over the course of many of these friendlies now. They don’t lack confidence… They feel like, O.K., let’s get on with it. That’s an important mentality.”
Twenty year-old US player, Weston McKennie further expounded on the team’s focus on the process.
McKENNIE: “It’s always good whenever we can play against France, Ireland and Brazil… I think it’ll be better for the future. And we’ll get used to playing teams like this, and we’ll have a sense of how to approach them in a better way.”
As you develop your game, the closer you become to achieving your goals.
Think of the process as the road map to get to where you ultimately want to go.
Always remember, success is built one step at a time.
Tip for Focusing on the Process
Ask yourself, what should be my next step today or in this moment?
What do I need to do now to further my game and move me in the direction of my objective for this season?
Write down 2-3 improvement areas and work out a plan to develop these skills.
After a game, you can evaluate your progress, give yourself credit for any successful steps forward and revise your plan, if necessary.
For more strategies for focusing on the process in soccer, check out our audio and workbook program, “Soccer Confidence”:
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?
“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
“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
Leave a Reply