Introduction

In my opinion this is one of the most important areas that players need to address first but it is often overlooked not only in the context of soccer but in life as well. Some of the most talented players that I have had the pleasure of working with never experience their full potential, because they can’t get out of their own heads. The type of players that I am describing here have unquestionable talent, but their heads just are not in the right place.

This chapter will show you the techniques that will help you to get into the proper head space. This will allow you to not only have your head in the game and become successful on the pitch you will be able to use these strategies to become more successful in the other areas of your life as well.

Soccer Intellect

While watching the Sounders play the Timbers the announcers Were complementing how the number 9 is brilliant and has a very intelligent soccer mind. These types of players have a very  high soccer intellect. They have the ability to see every square inch of the pitch and then predict what is going to happen. Having this type of skills allows top level players know where their teammates are at all times, they know where they need to place the ball to continue the play. When a player has that type of confidence the possibilities are endless. All players, no matter their skill level or ability can in fact improve their soccer intellect. The way that a player does this is by immersing yourself in the game. You need to surround yourself with the game. Watch matches, read articles and books and study the modern tactics of the game. This is not going to be a quick process but what you need to keep in mind is that soccer intellect one item at a time.

EXERCISE: Watch and analyze as many matches as possible. I am not only talking about just professional level games here. You need to watch games at the level that you are currently playing in and above your current level at play. Learn and understand the player numbering system. As you are watching the game and the area each position is covering and what actions they take to get themselves involved in play. Figure out why players do certain things in certain situations. What are they doing on/off the ball. Analyze what they are doing well and the areas that they can improve in. Do not get caught in the mind set that some high levels are perfect, all players have room for improvement.

Growth Mindsets

Coaches often say that “negativity breeds negativity and positive breeds positively. If you allow yourself or those around you to use negative talk, these words will in fact lower your confidence. If you and those around you use positive words that are encouraging and empowering, you and those around you  will have an abundance of confidence. As you start to grow yourself you need to consider that what is happening on the inside is what you will project on the outside. Simply put, if you are negative internally, you will be verbally and physically negative to those around you. If you are positive internally, you will be verbally and physically positive. Negativity will tear down a player as well as a team and positively will build up a player and a team. When you use and surround yourself with positively you will have a lasting influence on your self image.

EXERCISE: in the space provided below I want you to list 10 words or short phrases to describe yourself. The list should be made in under 60 seconds.

1. __________________________

2. __________________________

3. __________________________

4. __________________________

5. __________________________

6. __________________________

7. __________________________

8. __________________________

9. __________________________

10. __________________________

There are two types of results for this exercise. Group A will create a list of things that they are good at. Group B will create a list of things that they are not good at. For example, players that are part of Group A, might describe themselves as humorous, charming, and passionate, while a player from Group B, would likely describe themselves as socially awkward, anti-social, and with a low work rate. Does the player from Group A or B have a growth mindset?

Group _______________

This is one of the times that you need to be honest with yourself, would you  describe yourself negatively or positively. If you said negatively then we need to address that. It will be almost impossible for you to reach the highest level as a player if you do not even believe in yourself. EXERCISE: I want you to start describing yourself in a positive light. Anytime that you start to describe yourself in a negative light. Recognize that you are doing it and make an effort to tell yourself it isn’t true, and replace it with positive thoughts. This will be difficult at first but the more that you do it the easier it will become.

1. __________________________

2. __________________________

3. __________________________

4. __________________________

5. __________________________

6. __________________________

7. __________________________

8. __________________________

9. __________________________

10. __________________________

Belief In Self

If you do not believe in yourself it is difficult for others to believe in you. When the coach looks at you and asks can you take the pitch as a Defensive Holding Midfielder when you are normally a striker. If you do not believe you can do it then the coach is not going to believe you can do it. One of the tuffist things that when faced with a problem, is that you can collect the information that you need and then you will be able to make a decision and stick with it.

During the journey to becoming an elite soccer player would likely be impossible without belief in your own ability. Don’t wobut don’t worry, if you do not currently have that ability it can be developed. On a personal note this is an area I have struggled with. Like this book has discussed prior is that when a player has or is in the process of developing a growth mindset, You are in fact developing the skills that you need to start believing in yourself. developing belief in yourself. A good for a soccer player to access if they have a positive belief in themselves is to determine if you have belief in yourself is to imagine yourself talking on the goalkeeper 1 v 1, do you think that you will score a goal or will you kick it directly at the goalkeeper for an easy save? If you can not see yourself making the goal then it is time for you to reevaluate if you in fact have belief in yourself.

There are a few things that you can do to start trusting yourself, the best way to do that is to first build positive repetition of yourself. You need to have the self confidence that you can in fact accomplish the things that you set out to do through hard work and determination. Keep in mind that you may be nervous but you are not going to let the feeling of nervousness overcome you and take control. Now keep in mind that you can apply these strategies to the numerous situations that occur during your matches.

The other method to develop self belief in yourself is to use positive self talk. Like how it was discussed earlier in this chapter. You need to, praise yourself when you do well, and don’t get down on yourself when something does not go the way that you have planned. EXERCISE: I want you to take a moment to think of one area of your game that needs improvement and write this area down, then I want you to make a list of drills or skills that you can practice that will help you improve the area that you have listed. I want you to list the drills you can do that would improve the area that you have listed. Get in as many repetitions as you can.

Area that needs improvement:_____________________________________

Drills:

1. ____________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________

4. ____________________________________________

5. ____________________________________________

Advanced Belief Self Method

The human brain is the most powerful organ in the body, the brain is very responsive to visualization. The way that visualization is done is that the player will concentrate on the desired outcome. EXERCISE: Visualize that you are at the soccer pitch on a bright sunny day. You can feel the warmth reflecting off the turf. There is an excitement in the air, the stadium is full of people and they are there. To watch you play. You start to hear the sounds of the crowd and the chants of your name. You should feel the excitement start to build before you begin the match of a lifetime.

Were you able to visualize that? This is what is so amazing about the brain, if you visualize enough, you will be able hear all the sounds and actually see yourself in the experience that you are visualizing. This is how we can leverage the brain to help enhance your performances in soccer.

By Dr. John Thornton