Developing a Winning Mindset in Soccer
Are you able to fight back once you’re down in a game?
Do you maintain a calm mindset, or do you give in to momentum?
In the 2018 World Cup, Switzerland beat Serbia 2-1 after being down 1-0 in the first half.
Even though Serbia dominated most of the first half, Switzerland displayed a relentless attitude and will to win.
Petkovic, Switzerland coach said, “After the first half, no one would have believed we could have turned this thing around. Even though we were down, we kept a level head.”
Additionally, Petkovic commented on his team’s tenacious mentality, saying:
“What is important is we have developed this winning mentality even when we are down. We always find a reaction, and this is an important and positive characteristic of my team.”
During games, your team will be down. You’ll struggle to compete and might feel like you’re on a roller coaster ride with the ups and downs. Thinking that won’t happen is irrational.
What’s most important is you or your team’s ability to maintain a “level head,” like Switzerland, and continue to grind it out to the end.
Soccer can appear to be a frustrating sport. You run for 90 minutes, work your way down the field numerous times, only to end the game with a couple goals…maybe.
It could be easy to feel challenged or give in to your opponent’s dominance, especially if they score early in the game.
Serbia quickly went up 1-0 and Switzerland had trouble competing with them.
Though, their mindset was to fight Serbia and they were able to find a balance in the second half due to their “never-say-die” attitude.
You’ve seen many athletes and teams of all sports struggle to finish games or matches because they give up mentally.
Whether they’ve been winning the whole time or losing, the “finish” doesn’t come.
Success is largely a matter of consistency.
Not only consistency in performance, but consistency in the mental game.
Inconsistency in either can be influenced by many factors.
Yet, frustration and distractions affect your ability to focus and be consistent.
For instance, when teams get down early in the first half like Switzerland, they might become frustrated and distracted with thinking about results or the outcome.
Switzerland however, maintained their winning mindset through the entire game, focusing on what was most important each moment and refocusing quickly after challenges.
That helped lead them to success.
Like Switzerland, continue to focus on the process and maintain your winning mindset, even when down.
The result will be in your favor, whether you win or lose.
To learn more about building mental toughness, 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?
“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 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
Leave a Reply