What Should You Focus on During Games?
Soccer players often struggle the most mentally when the game is on the line and particularly when behind a goal or two. Being down in a game can cause you to focus on end results and question if you will ultimately lose the game.
If you’re focused on results or worrying about your chance to come back, you’re not focusing on your execution in the moment.
The US Women’s National team have performed riveting comebacks time and time again – and they most recently came back after three, 1 goal deficits against Canada in the Olympic semis.
What’s their secret?
Alex Morgan, who scored their fourth goal to clinch the win says that they never stop believing from the first minute to the last, no matter what the circumstances.
“For the team, we’ve believed from the first minute to the last minute. We’re just playing so well together. Each player individually, I think is better than Canada individually, and when you come together as a team, you can’t break us.”
Forward Abby Wambach says that even when times get hard on the field, the team never gives up,
“This team has a belief in itself even when the going gets rough and everything is stacked against us. It’s inspiring and I’m really proud to be on this team.”
The US Women’s National Team clearly has the ability to stay composed when behind and under pressure. Composed soccer players remain calm, steadfast, and in control during crunch-time or competitive pressure.
Many players get anxious, over try, and attempt to force the attack when down a goal or two. The result is disorganized play and a smaller chance of a comeback.
The key is to play confident soccer and stick to your strategy even in pressure situations or when behind.
Soccer players with composure are able to raise the level of their play during competition — they thrive when the battle is close, and never stop believing.
Staying composed is only one small part of developing mental toughness and confidence in soccer.
If you would like to learn how to overcome other mental barriers in soccer download our free ebook “7 Mental Game Mistakes that Block Soccer Players’ Success”.
Related Sports Psychology Articles
- How to Stay Composed During Soccer Matches
- Staying Calm and Composed in Tournaments
- Help Players Stay Composed After Mistakes
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- Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on Spotify
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