Understanding your position(s) in soccer is critical to your team’s success. The quest to improve and dive deeper into the intricacies of your position can elevate your game.
This week, Blayze coach Mike Semenza will explore effective strategies for youth soccer players to gain a comprehensive understanding of their position and enhance their overall performance.
Study The Game
Knowledge is power.💪 Learning more about your position comes down to studying the game as much as you can. There are many ways to study the game. Some of our favorite ways include watching your performances on film or watching the performance of players you admire on film.
Take the time to watch professional matches, paying close attention to players who excel in your position. 👀Observe their movements, decision-making, and positioning on the field.
How did they impact the game? Was it their speed while dribbling? Passing ability? Movements off the ball?⚽ Leadership through communication? This can provide valuable insights into the nuances of your role and help you incorporate new techniques into your game.
Consult Your Coach
Your coach is an invaluable resource in your journey to master your position. Schedule one-on-one sessions to discuss your strengths,💪 weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Coaches often have a wealth of experience and can provide tailored guidance to help you refine your skills.
Never be afraid to ask questions 🙋🏼♀️about your position and the expectations of players in that position on the field. If you never ask questions, you will never find the answers. This might impact your performance and your ability to help the team.
Analyze Your Performance
Watching your games📺 can help a lot as well. If you can record your game or watch the team VEO, Trace, etc., you can analyze your performance critically. Identify instances where you excelled and areas that need improvement. This self-analysis can foster a deeper understanding of your playing style and highlight specific areas for focused training.
Mentorship
Connect with an experienced player 🧑🏾🤝🧑who excels in your position. Whether that is someone on your team, an older player in the club, a private coach, or a professional athlete, seeking mentorship can provide valuable insights and guidance. Learn from their experiences, ask for advice, and use their knowledge to refine your approach to the game.
Article of the Week: Why Private Coaching? Reasons Learning in Front of Peers Can Harm Athletic Performance
In today’s society, children start playing sports at younger ages. Parents sacrifice time and money to help their child reach their full potential. Multiple weekly practices followed by weekend games have become the standard routine for youth athletes. But are athletes learning as efficiently as parents hope during team practices?