Preparation

It might sound like a cliché but that’s because it’s true – if you fail to prepare then prepare to fail! Before a match or training session, get a good night’s sleep, eat well and have your kit ready and packed to save time in the morning.

Get hyped in the changing room

Playing loud music before a match or training can increase your heart rate, raise intensity levels and get you hyped up ready for action. Find some tunes popular with the whole team and get the music pumping.

Make some noise

Positivity and being loud actually releases a hormone in your system called DHEA which makes you feel great and alert, ready for anything in training or during match day. If your whole team is united in this activity, it will certainly make a daunting sight to the opposition.

Get your game face on

All that positivity, loudness and hype should be written on your face. Look fierce, think tough and don’t let anyone make you feel inferior.

Body language

Stand tall, back straight and solid with your head up, shoulders back and chest out. Whatever tough training schedule you face or how mean your opponent’s look, send out the right signals and carry yourself like a warrior.

Team Huddle

A last-minute pep talk helps to ensure everyone knows their roles. Plus, having one just before kick-off will annoy your opposition, making them wait!

Practice

To get better at anything, you know you have to practice and hopefully that practice translates into better performance on match day. Whilst training as a team is important, individual training shouldn’t be overlooked.

You’ll get a huge amount of personal growth from individual training where 100% of the time is focused on your skill and areas to improve. For inspiration, check out Soccer Training drills at https://www.sportplan.net/drills/Football/Crossing-and-Finishing/1-2-and-cross-f110016.jsp

The downside to private training is the difficulty in staying motivated. Practicing on your own requires great self-motivation. Here are some tips for maintaining your commitment to soccer training:

1. Design a plan and stick to it

2. Don’t forget that nutrition is essential

3. Hire a coach to keep you focussed and on track

4. Keep a journal

5. Join an online community of like-minded people trying to do the same as you

6. Reward yourself for your hard work and commitment

Remember that if you don’t want to practice, you don’t deserve to perform at maximum capacity and you certainly don’t deserve to win. The rewards of success, trophies and being a good sportsperson come with training and practice. If your desire to succeed is strong enough, you should really want to practice.