| The title does not suggest that you will win at soccer | | | | second to mental training. The simplest praise or |
| by heading the ball. Although the soccer header is a | | | | encouragement gives a young player confidence and |
| big part of the game, it's definitely not the most | | | | belief. A young player oozing confidence is a |
| important. | | | | motivated player and one that's hungry for the game. |
| Soccer success and performance can be improved | | | | Make sure when coaching you instruct with a calm |
| by understanding the mental elements of the game. | | | | and friendly voice. Shouting, screaming or intimidating |
| Factors like concentration, confidence, motivation and | | | | should never be used as a coaching aid for young |
| belief are significant contributors to your overall | | | | kids. The main objective should be to preserve a |
| performance. | | | | young players confidence while teaching them the |
| The first step to becoming a better player is to | | | | basics of the game. |
| prepare yourself mentality. Your performance is | | | | A player that smiles and is confident will always |
| influenced by mental factors. Just like practice | | | | outperform a player that's stressed, unhappy or |
| improves your skills, mental strength can also be | | | | even scared. Remember consistent performances |
| developed and trained. | | | | rely heavily on a player becoming mentally tough and |
| The easiest way to recognize a player with mental | | | | have the ability to control these mental factors. |
| toughness is through his consistent performances and | | | | If you practice and develop your mental game you |
| form. Players that are consistent and reliable week in, | | | | will inevitably become a better a player. If you're |
| week out have a certain level of mental toughness. | | | | coaching, you will significantly increase your status as |
| Your main objective in soccer is to play to your best | | | | a coach and your team's win-loss ratio. |
| ability, but to also perform consistently. | | | | Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and the |
| If you're reading this and you coach the game, this | | | | stakes are increasing with every yea. Ever wondered |
| article also concerns you. As a coach, you are given | | | | why the big, successful clubs all employ sports |
| the duty to develop and improve their game. You | | | | psychologists? Could it be that mental toughness and |
| must also be aware of these mental factors and | | | | awareness is just as important as fitness and skills. |
| encourage their natural progression. | | | | Behind every championship is a great motivating |
| Soccer drills and training should always be a distant | | | | coach with the help of his psychologist. |