Prepare for Peak Soccer Performance
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail…. This old saying stresses the importance of preparation.
As in any sport, preparation is key to be on top of your game. Of course soccer players know they need to prepare but to what degree?
In our Mental Game of Soccer Survey, one soccer player raised that very question about preparation:
“What can I do to prepare myself for a game, so that I can perform at my best?”
Not being prepared creates worry or a lack of confidence. Imagine if you blindly allow someone else to pack your soccer bag for you and they decided to give you your bag an hour before the game.
You would be a nervous wreck wondering if they would show up on time or if they pack your uniform, cleats, water bottle, shin guards, etc?
Now think back to a game when you were nervous before the start of the game… possibly you missed practice two days before the game.
You only received a brief synopsis of the game plan and the strengths of the team you were about to play. You were a little nervous at the start of the game not exactly knowing what to expect.
You were caught out of position a couple of times and received some harsh criticism from the coach and players on the field. You became fearful of making more mistakes because you don’t want to be the potential reason your team loses.
As you can see, a lack of preparation affects your decision-making, confidence and performance.
Preparation is not a complicated matter and has both physical and mental components. Let’s look at preparation from three angles:
1. What is the best way to prepare for a game?
2. How comprehensive should your preparation be?
3. How does preparation affect your play on the field?
What is the best way to prepare for a game?
The best way to prepare is to have a consistent preparation routine. You should never be haphazard in your preparation for a game.
Physical preparation routines can include: the way you pack your equipment bag, pre-game meal, stretching, warm-up exercises, team drills, discussing strategy with teammates and coaches, etc.
USWNT veteran Carli Lloyd stresses that preparation, rather than luck paves the way to success.
LLOYD: “I’m not a superstitious person. Your preparation is what prepares you, what instills confidence.”
How comprehensive should your preparation be?
Most soccer players prepare physically and tactically for games, but a small portion include mental preparation. The game is more than physical. If you include mental preparation, you will have a greater advantage over other players on the field.
Mental preparation can include: visualization, breathing exercises, focusing drills, relaxation techniques, positive affirmations, coping with challenges, etc.
How Does Preparation Affect Your Play
Comprehensive preparation instills high confidence. When you feel
confident, your mind and body are free to play intuitively and creatively on the field.
With greater preparation and strong confidence, you are mentally ready for peak performance.
Create a pregame preparation routine. Make sure you pay attention to your physical, tactical, and mental preparation. Don’t forget to anticipate challenges that might distract or frustrate you, such as an opponent making a hard tackle.
By sticking to your pre-game routine prior to each game, you will be prepared to be your best mentally and physically throughout the game.
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
“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
Boost Your Self-Confidence And Focus With Expert Mental Game Coaching!
If you’re a top performer during practice but find yourself under-performing in competition, the most likely culprit holding you back is your mental game. In fact, many athletes struggle with the same problem….
Master mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn can help you overcome your mental game issues with personal coaching.
Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe.
Mental toughness coaching helps serious athletes like you to uncover the beliefs and attitudes that keep you from performing to your potential. You’ll learn mental game strategies to perform at your peak more often, overcoming performance plateaus and lack of consistency
Call us toll free at 888-742-7225 or contact us for more information about the different coaching programs we offer!
What are our mental coaching students 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
“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
Leave a Reply