How to Start a Mental Training Program
Why do some soccer players not embrace the use of mental training?
When asked this question, some soccer players respond with, “I do not believe in mental training or understand it.”
It makes sense to not add something into your training regimen that you don’t believe in or don’t understand.
For example, many athletes recently have implement “cupping” in their training regimens…
Cupping is a recovery technique where suction cups are placed strategically on the body to increase oxygen and blood flow to a particular area of the body to enhance recovery.
Some players don’t buy into the effectiveness of cupping or may not understand how it works, so they don’t incorporate it into their training.
That doesn’t mean that the technique of cupping is not beneficial.
The same goes for mental training…
Athletes who lack understanding regarding mental training tend to shy away from the suggestion.
It’s undeniable that there is a mental component to performance.
If you listen to any post-match comments by managers or soccer players, you will notice many references to the importance of the mental side of performance.
Massimiliano Allegri, former soccer player and current manager for Juventus, made a strong argument for the value of mental skills.
Allegri: “You can be the best player in the world, but if you’re not at 100 percent mentally, the others will get to the ball faster.”
You could be the best player in the world, but without a strong mental game you will never be at your best.
The real issue is that soccer players may not know what mental skills they need to develop or how to improve their mental game.
There are many mental skills that can greatly advance your game:
- Confidence can give you an edge over your opponents and help you take you game to the next level.
- Goal setting can help you map out strategies to improve more rapidly and move closer to your potential.
- Focus can help you stay mentally in the game and not get distracted by bad calls, mistakes, score, spectators or other extraneous circumstances.
- Visualization can help you develop a visual roadmap for how you want to perform in an upcoming game.
- Managing emotions can help you stay poised, overcome mistakes and play at your peak no matter the game conditions or circumstances.
- Trust in your skills can help you take your new moves you’re working on in practice to the game.
Once you know the mental skills you need to improve, the next step is creating a plan or developing strategies designed to work on those specific mental skills.
We offer several resources to help you improve your mental skills including articles, videos, workbooks, and one-on-one mental coaching.
Check out our resources here:
Don’t let a “weak link” in your game hold you back. Committing to improving your mental game is the very thing can take your game to the next level.
How to Start a Mental Training Program
Download our one-page test to see what’s missing in your mental game…
Start with one mental skills to improve, such as confidence, focus, or composure….
Take time each week to working on your mental approach to soccer. Progress is an up and down process, so be diligent and patient.
An improved mental game can lead to an improved soccer game!
To help excel your mental training, we offer one-on-one mental coaching programs. Learn more here.
Related Sports Psychology Articles
- Mental Game Skills to Play Better Soccer Today
- Six Mental Game Lessons and England’s Success
- The Mental Game of Soccer and Comfort Zones
- Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on iTunes
- Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on Spotify
Download a free sports psychology report to improve your mental game!
Learn more about our one-on-one mental game coaching.
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