Do You Know the Key to Consistency?
What is the key to consistently playing your best during competitive soccer games?
Consistency is a hallmark of elite athletes across all sports, not just soccer.
In soccer, consistently playing your best does not mean scoring two or more goals every match or shutting out every opponent.
Instead, consistency refers to executing fundamental skills at a high level, maintaining peak physical and mental conditioning, making smart in-game decisions and having a positive mindset every time you step onto the pitch.
Too often, players make an early assumption that, since they started the game poorly, they will not have a good game. After a yellow card or missing a header into an open net, they assume they will have a bad game and subconsciously shut it down. These players may avoid pushing the ball downfield, pass up an open shot on net, or make the safe play instead of taking calculated risks.
Misconceptions or faulty assumptions can cause inconsistencies in effort, focus, and decision-making, leading to inconsistent play.
A consistent player strives to influence the game positively, whether through precise passing, defensive discipline, relentless effort, making the routine play, or taking calculated risks.
A consistent player is not worried about failure, mistakes or the judgments from others. When you are not worried about outcomes, you will play freely, aggressively, and enjoy the process of competing.
Not only does consistency impact your level of play in the game you are currently playing, it often determines the longevity and success of your career.
Bay FC forward Racheal Kundananji is focusing on consistency in the 2025 NWSL season. A significant amount of pressure is on Kundananji after she became the record transfer from Madrid CFF into the NWSL. In her first season with Bay FC, Kundananji scored five goals in 22 games.
However, Kundananji admitted she was not happy with her production last year and she is looking forward to playing more consistently this season.
KUNDANANJI: “I feel like I missed a lot of chances. This year, I won’t promise anything, but just watch out.”
Kundananji stated she consistently performs her best when she plays freely and blocks out external pressure.
KUNDANANJI: “I just need consistency in what I do and overall, just enjoying the game, because as you are enjoying the game, you are able to do everything. [When I am] just playing for enjoyment, just to be myself in the stadium and I’m not thinking about other things – [just] focusing on enjoying [it] and giving the fans the enjoyment that they needed, coming to watch the game.”
Achieving consistency requires discipline, playing freely, mental toughness, all while enjoying the process.
Elite soccer players understand that success is not about occasional peak performance but about showing up every day ready to compete at the highest level, whether it’s practice or a game.
Striving for consistency should be a primary goal of all soccer players. It bridges the gap between potential and achievement, distinguishing those who merely possess talent from those who fully maximize it.
Consistency starts with your mindset. The key is to develop a mindset centered on continuous improvement and being accountable for your mental and physical game.
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