Hey there Blayze soccer players! Have you ever wondered how some players seem to glide effortlessly across the pitch, making split-second decisions that leave opponents scratching their heads? It's not just skill—it's strategy!
We place so much emphasis on the physical parts of our game. We train hard, watch film, and sometimes even stretch or ice bath after hard games or practices. Too often, however, we ignore one of the most essential parts of being a soccer player – our mental game.
Adding some simple mental strategies into your training regimen can allow you to play at your best. These tools can help you to play freer, move on from mistakes faster, and play with more confidence.
Today, NWSL player and Blayze private coach Sierra Enge dives into 3 mental strategies that you can use to help transform your game.
Mental Strategies
Mental strategies can significantly enhance your performance by improving focus, confidence, and resilience. Visualization techniques allow you to mentally rehearse successful plays, boosting your confidence and readiness. But have you ever thought about creating a mistake ritual? Or what about striking a superhero pose?
Let’s explore some mental strategies you need in your arsenal...
1 - Visualize Your Best Game
Visualization enhances your performance by mentally rehearsing game scenarios, improving decision-making, and boosting confidence. By picturing successful plays, handling pressure situations, and visualizing techniques, you can refine skills without physical practice. This mental rehearsal primes the mind and body for optimal execution on the field.
Spend 5-10 minutes a few times a week, especially before a big game, visualizing yourself on the field. Close your eyes. Imagine yourself on the pitch, see your cleats on the grass, picture yourself communicating with your teammates. Visualize yourself playing your best game.
What does it look like for you to play with confidence and freedom? What is your body positioning like? What is your energy like? What do you look like when you are at your best?
Have fun with this and be creative!
2 - Come Up With a Mistake Ritual
Let's face it—making mistakes on the field is as inevitable as a sudden rain shower during a game. Whether it's a misjudged pass or a near miss at goal, blunders happen to even the best players. Mistakes are going to happen, there is no way to get rid of them.
But fear not! Embracing these slip-ups with a smile and a bit of savvy can turn every fumble into a learning opportunity.
Creating a ritual, or a physical gesture, can help trigger your brain to move on to the next play. For example, you could snap your fingers and think “next play.” Or you could brush your forehead and think “brush it off.”
Engaging the body can influence mental state; changing physical posture or movements can lead to changes in emotional and cognitive states, promoting a more constructive response to mistakes. Establishing a routine response to mistakes creates a consistent method for managing errors, helping you maintain stability and composure.
Any sort of physical gesture can help cue your brain to move on to the next play.
3 - Practice the Superhero Pose
Before a game or practice where you are particularly nervous, stand in the superhero pose.
A superhero pose, often referred to as the "power pose," is a body posture that exudes confidence, strength, and readiness. Commonly seen in comic books and movies, it typically involves the following elements:
- Standing Tall: The superhero stands with a straight back and shoulders squared.
- Feet Apart: Legs are slightly wider than hip-width apart, providing a solid, grounded stance.
- Hands on Hips or Fists Clenched: Hands may rest on the hips, or the fists might be clenched and placed by the sides or slightly forward.
- Chin Up: The head is held high with the chin up, signifying confidence and determination.
- Chest Out: The chest is pushed slightly forward to emphasize strength and presence.
This pose is meant to project power and confidence, often used to inspire or intimidate. Holding this pose for a few deep breaths can help improve how you feel on the field.
Additional Mental Strategies to Explore
These mental strategies can help contribute to your ability to perform consistently at your best, even in high-stress situations.
Affirmations:
Pump yourself up with positive self-talk. Tell yourself you're unstoppable, a goal-scoring machine! Confidence is contagious, and soon you'll be bringing that belief into every tackle and shot.
Learn from the Greats:
Study your idols' techniques. Watch highlight reels, analyze their footwork, and mimic their moves in practice. Channel your inner Ronaldo or Marta and add a touch of their brilliance to your game.
Team Spirit Booster:
Soccer’s a team sport—connect with your squad. Encourage each other, celebrate wins together, and lift each other up after setbacks. A strong team bond boosts morale and performance on and off the field.
Game Plan Precision:
Prepare mentally like a coach strategizing for a final. Study your opponent’s weaknesses, visualize your tactics, and anticipate their every move. When you step onto that field, you’re not just playing—you’re playing to win!
Celebrate Small Victories:
From a perfect pass to a well-timed tackle, celebrate every small victory. Positive reinforcement builds momentum and keeps your confidence soaring throughout the game.
Final Thoughts
Integrating mental strategies into your routine can dramatically elevate your game. By visualizing successful plays, maintaining composure after a mistake, and using affirmations or body positions to boost self-belief, you can navigate high-pressure situations more effectively. These mental tools not only improve individual performance but also contribute to a stronger, more cohesive team dynamic.
These strategies take practice. You can’t just do them one time and expect your game to be transformed. However, over time and with continued practice these 3 mental strategies can make a significant impact on your game.
Learn More With Blayze!
The secret to mastering any skill is practice! Could you use direct feedback from a professional coach on how to increase your soccer defending skills and dominate on the field? At Blayze we give you a personalized coaching session from the very best coaches in the world.
Blayze professional coaches know what it is like to work hard to achieve their dreams. They help youth athletes identify areas of improvement and develop a realistic plan on how to accomplish goals. Our athletes are learning more than skill development. They are learning life lessons of perseverance, overcoming hurdles, and the responsibility of managing their success.
Blayze coaches are current professional athletes. They know what the best in the world do because they are the best in the world.
For a truly unique and personalized feedback experience, submit your performance video to one of Blayze’s highly qualified coaches. The custom-developed coaching session can help you improve your on-field skills, so you are performing at your very best in every game. One easy click will take you to more details on our coaching sessions.
