Ever wondered how performance follows attitude of young players as well as their coach, when it comes to the daunting task of How to coach soccer
The importance of confidence and discipline in a player’s attitude has already been analyzed. The third major element of attitude is confidence. It is the ability to focus attention on one feature of performance for such time as is necessary to be successful.
Players who cannot maintain concentration are subject to several elements that can weaken good performance. Loss of focus is one of them i.e. the incapacity to make out and handle changes taking place in the pattern of the game. Next is the loss of intensity i.e. a breakdown in the power of focus through exhaustion, choking, and complacency.
Today, not many of us understand that a player has to manage speed and variation concurrently so that they can rise above a variety of problems. Of all the soccer skills, concentration is one that helps a player in meeting the challenge of a thrilling game presenting a lot of bad distractions.
Soccer today is way different from what it was years ago. There are big situations in every match where in either the player defines the moment or the moment defines the player. With a view to contribute to the hot topic of how to coach soccer, your players should be made aware of such defining moments and prepare for them.
In teaching soccer, let it be known to the players that it’s important for them to focus attention on situations developing within their control. Along with that, train them to identify and ignore such situations that are either insignificant or beyond one’s control.
It is important to teach your players the theory of concentration by switching on to a narrow focus with high intensity and then easily switching off to a wider outlook with low intensity. Achieve this by letting them assess the pattern of the game, when they should switch on, and when they can safely switch off.
In the role of a coach, you must never devalue practice. Good practice should always form a part of soccer coaching so that players can relate to both training and completion.
The psychological skills for focus and intensity are the same as physical techniques. Due to repetition, they will automatically become habits. Such mental habits make players stronger in stressful situations.
A great performance is considered one that comes out automatically. When the players practice, it helps them get rid of their physical and mental habits. This is the end-goal of training; to create technical, tactical, and mental skills and habits.
Everything that players must do in the competition must first be seen in training. At all times, consider this as a thought on how to coach soccer.
A little thought; Awareness is not a talent; it is a routine and demands inspiration and practice.
There are tons of articles, tips, tricks, videos, and weekly newsletters on our youth soccer coaching community that equip you with the latest on teaching skills, attitudes, and behaviors of a coach.
Andre Botelho is a recognized expert in youth soccer coaching. He influences well over 35,000 youth coaches each year with his unique coaching philosophy, and makes it really easy to explode your players’ skills and make training more fun in record time. To download your free youth soccer coaching guide visit: How to coach soccer.
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