Do You Feel Tighter in Games Than Practice?
If so, I have an important tip for you today…
I wanted to follow up with you by highlighting a question I received from a reader:
Question: “I don’t understand why I can take players on and score goals in practice, but when I go into the game. I freeze and the tension won’t let me play my game.”
Answer: If you feel tight in games compared to practice, that’s a sign your mind is getting in the way and not allowing you to let go…
You must find the real culprit to the tension. You probably think tension is the real problem.
But having worked with many high-level soccer players, I know better…
The “tension” you feel does not happen all on its own. Something else is at the root of the problem, which most players and coaches don’t see on the surface.
How Your Fear of Failure Creates That Tension
Here’s what I mean: Most likely, when you play in games, the outcome is more important to you (for many reasons I won’t go into here). For most players, they want to play well or win so badly and they can’t handle failure.
This mindset causes you to worry about failing or not playing to your capabilities, a root cause of fear of failure.
Now take note, here is the real culprit to the tension – the fear of making bad passes or losing the ball causes you to lose trust in your skills.
The lack of trust causes the tension, but this started with the fear of messing up or wanting to play well so badly.
OK, the short version… “I want this badly” > “Don’t screw up” > avoidance mindset > lack of trust > tension > “I feel tight and controlled.”
So, you have to get to the root cause of the tension instead of band aiding “tension” with relaxation training. Most people don’t get this and look for quick fixes to rid themselves of tension.
How To Overcome Your Fear of Failure
What’s the solution?
The only way you are going to play freely and trust your skills is to rid yourself of the fear or pressure-packed expectations you have about the game….
You’ll learn how to do this in my new program, “Soccer Confidence: Mental Toughness Strategies for a Competitive Edge.“
I want to help you end the use of “band aids” to address the problem. A complete overhaul and tune up of your mental game is on the way…
My program will change the way you think – literally – about your game!
Please read more about it. This might be the best thing you have ever done for your game:
Soccer Mental Training – Get Mentally Tough For Games!
Related Sports Psychology Articles
- How To Overcome The Fear Of Failure In Soccer
- Fear of Failure in Soccer Players
- Overcoming Fear of Losing
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Boost Confidence in Soccer
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“Soccer Confidence” is a complete brain dump of the TOP NINE mental training sessions we teach our soccer players to help them boost their mental game and improve consistency – from how to mentally prepare for games to performing under pressure to building unstoppable confidence.
i get stressed out because i get that feeling of people saying that am rubbish in the game (behind my back),so i try my best but the fear of screwing and giving them the go to talk is what ruins my game
U know just don’t mind them u r playing this game trust urself don’t mind those jerks
Cuz I’m a goalkeeper who faced the same problem fear
I overcame it by enjoying the game trusting myself
I started saving all of the shots it gave me more confidence