We all want to be a starter for the team. Be chosen to take your team out to the field to face your opponent. But in reality, even some of the best players have to be a substitute from time to time.
Being a substitute player does not mean sitting on the sidelines – it is your chance to support and make a difference when your team needs it the most! How can you still impact the game if you are a substitute? Simple. When you get your chance, you need to take it.
This week, Blayze coach Xavier Mayol gives you some tips on how you can impact the game and be a game-changer:
Stay Ready
Be mentally 🧠and physically prepared to enter the game at any moment. Stay focused, warm up properly, and pay attention to your coach's instructions so you're ready to make an immediate impact.
Study the Game
Don’t waste your time sitting on the bench!! Make sure you are watching 👀what is happening in the game. Listen to the instructions your coach gives to your teammates so that you know the expectations when you enter the game.
While on the bench, analyze the flow of the game, identify areas where your team is struggling, and pinpoint weaknesses in the opposition's defense. This insight will help you make strategic contributions when you step onto the field.
Bring (Big) Energy
Make sure you get a good warm-up and are ready to work and bring new energy ⚡⚡to the game. As a substitute, you have the opportunity to inject energy and enthusiasm into the game. Whether it's cheering on your teammates, offering encouragement, or displaying a positive attitude, your enthusiasm can lift the spirits of your team and shift the momentum in your favor.
Adapt Quickly
Coming off the bench is not easy. You need to immediately adjust to the rhythm and flow of the game. You need to find a way to have a positive impact on the game to help your team adapt to the pace and intensity 💪🏻immediately. Stay focused, communicate with your teammates, and execute your role effectively, whether it's providing defensive stability, creating scoring opportunities, or maintaining possession.
Seize Opportunities
Make the most of every opportunity you get on the field. Whether it's a chance to take a shot on goal, 🥅deliver a crucial pass, or make a decisive tackle, seize the moment and showcase your skills with confidence.
Be a Team Player
Remember that soccer is a team sport, 🧑🏽🤝🧑and your contributions, no matter how small, can make a big difference. Support your teammates, communicate effectively, and work together to achieve the common goal of winning the game.
Stay Positive
Even if things don't go as planned, maintain a positive attitude 😀and stay focused on the task at hand. Learn from any mistakes or setbacks and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
Remember, being a substitute player doesn't mean you're any less important than the starters. If you find yourself sitting on the bench more than you like, check out this article on why you may need performance analysis!
Do you have a question that you want answered? Reply to this email with your question and you might see it answered in our next newsletter!
Drill of the Week: Juggle With Bounce Moving Forward
Juggling the soccer ball is important and impacts your game in many ways. The top two reasons to practice juggling is it helps with your coordination and your ball control. Use this drill to help you improve your ball skills!
