When it comes to a strong mindset in soccer / football there are some key things to remember. As a former pro, current sports parent and full time skills trainer I can tell you that even the best and most confident players need these reminders. Human tendencies are to sometimes doubt ourselves. We need to counteract the lies in our head with self belief. If you don’t believe in yourself nobody will. Even when you are low, it’s important to keep trusting in your abilities.
Thinking positive is key to improve your mindset in soccer
Have you ever lost confidence in yourself?
Of course you have…
Even Ronaldo, Messi & Julie Ertz have lost confidence.
One of the vital things to remember is to think about the good moments you’ve had.
Whether it’s a recent memory or one from years ago.
Don’t lose sight of who you are.
Our human nature is to sometimes lose courage, forcing us to think negative thoughts.
Knowing these are normal thoughts helps us to rebound and instead think positive.
“Don’t let doubt overtake your ability.”
When you can’t crack the starting line up
Some of the worst times are when you can’t get in the starting 11…
When this happens it’s vital that you keep working hard.
Too many players get frustrated and let it show through not giving their all.
Not you!
It’s time to work harder than everyone!
Nobody at practice is your friend – when training is going on anyway…
After practice be friends, but right now you’re trying to prove to the coach that you belong on the field.
Don’t overthink what you need to do with the ball…
Sometimes we think too much and that can put pressure on you where you can’t play with confidence.
Instead of overthinking and trying to play exactly how the coach wants, maybe you should try playing like Neymar…
Meaning, when you get the ball don’t worry about what you’re going to do – just make things happen.
Be a playmaker…
When you play with no pressure, things will slow down and you’ll have more options and better results.
Oftentimes when you decide in your head that you’re just going to get the ball and beat a player and dribble down the field it seems everything just changes…
You’re probably not going to dribble down and beat everyone because there will be open players to pass to…
What this Neymar type of mindset does is free you, so you’re not worried about what to do because you’ll just make it happen… Just don’t dive like him:)
“Stay patient and trust your journey.”
Remembering your good moments
When you’re struggling with confidence it’s important to remember your good training sessions, games or even positive words others spoke over you.
By remembering your good moments it put your mind at peace and builds your confidence.
Your experience is something else that’s important to keep fresh in your mind.
Every pro player loses confidence at times…
They play football for a living, but find themselves down mentally.
Sometimes looking back at our accomplishment and how we got there helps us move forward.
Staying humble when you’re up
Have you ever felt like you can’t be stopped?
Maybe in a game or practice?
There are times everything is doing great… We are playing well and the team is winning games.
This feeling is the opposite from when we are down.
When we are up it’s a time to keep looking forward, setting new goals and knowing things can change at any moment.
It’s so important to stay humble during our ups.
There’s a difference between confidence and being cocky…
Being cocky is arrogant or prideful…
This attitude usually doesn’t allow people to stay at the top.
So remember to be confident, stay humble and continue doing your best.
Importance of continued technical training
When it comes to being your best you have to continue to practice.
The dangerous part for players who are “already good” is that many think they can’t improve.
Just because you’re the best on your team or the best in your town isn’t enough.
You have to remember that others are working harder than you across the world. Others are naturally better than you.
When I trained on my own during off-season I would think about players in Japan, Spain or Brazil who are better and working harder than me.
Reminding yourself that others are working just as hard or harder than you helps you to go extra reps.
You can do the same…
Do this 2 wall method ↓ You’ll need a rebounder to pair with a wall or 2 rebounders.
One of the best ways to train is by finding a wall(s) to improve 1st touch, passing and shooting.
→ Drills to practice on your own using a wall ←
Purposeful practice makes a big difference
Learn to love training on your own… Or at least if you don’t love it – do it anyway.
One thing that motivated me to train on my own was learning that the best players do this.
I’ll never forget my first year playing pro, seeing the veterans who would get to practice early or stay late to train on their own.
During these times, training solo they always did unopposed technical training. Lot’s of finishing drills.
It’s just like you’ve always hear…
“The best players show up early and stay late.”
There’s no coincidence that the better pros put in work away from team practice…
This is the mindset in soccer you have to keep improving.
Advanced players watch this sample video to learn more.
To help build a beginners foundation watch this video.
Note: Course lessons are on a safe ad free platform, where players track progress and can get feedback from me anytime.
When training requires strong mindset in soccer
Discipline is doing what you need when you don’t want to.
Playing soccer/football is fun, but when you play at a higher levels there are days you don’t want to train.
Injuries, fatigue, other events in life all come at some point.
You have to be dedicated and have the right mindset in soccer to get through the hard times.
If you want to fulfill your potential you have to understand it takes sacrifice.
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