The Ultimate Soccer Mindset to Become an Elite Soccer Player

What do Saber Tooth Tigers and success have in common? You’ll find out here!

No matter how you slice it, soccer is a mental game.

It’s physical too but if you can master the mental part of it, you’ll improve your game faster.

The game itself teaches many life lessons. If you find success on the soccer field, there’s a great chance you’ll get what you want later in life. Everyone wants that right?

I’ve seen many soccer players extend their youth careers and fizzle out. There are some noticeable differences.

The biggest difference is their mindset and approach to sports.

A strong mindset is at the forefront of every successful soccer player. And, a “successful soccer player” is how you define it.

For one player it could be having pure fun when you’re out on the field.

For another, it could be training every day to reach their goal of playing D1 college.

Whatever the end in mind is, this article will help players develop a strong soccer mindset. For parents and coaches, this will help teach your player(s) to realize their dreams.

Think Positive (in any circumstance)

It sounds cliche but positive thinking in any circumstance can fuel how a soccer player feels and performs.

Confidence stems from thinking positively.

A player getting down on themselves is natural. But, if they can work on the habit of positive thinking, they’ll be able to overcome it quicker.

By nature, as humans, we are hardwired to think the worst at times. It’s our defensive mechanism that keeps us safe from the Saber Tooth Tigers.

Fortunately, we don’t have the problems our ancestors had.

Unfortunately, we have to rewire our brains to see the good in things without our survival mind kicking in.

Awareness is key. Being aware that you have the choice to think positive or negative is your first choice. Choose wisely!

Realize It’s Still a Game

Sometimes players (and parents especially) forget that soccer is just a game.

As games become more competitive, players and parents feel the need to take them more seriously.

But, at the end of the day, it’s a game that is played to have fun!

If you take the fun out of it then friction enters the equation of the development of the player.

Each training session and game feels heavier.

Development happens when the game feels lighter and more euphoric. The “hard work” feels like playtime.

So, players and parents…understand that it’s simply a game and mistakes happen.

If you don’t realize this, you’ll look back on these golden days and feel a sense of regret for taking it too seriously.

Hard Work is Controllable

How does one get better at soccer? Consistency. Sure, some kids are more gifted out of the womb than others but hard work can help surpass talent.

I’ve seen it many times over. A talented player at age 10 will be untouchable and lean on their talent without working hard.

Eventually, their skills start to peak while other players work on their game every day.

The talented player will eventually get left behind.

And, because they didn’t develop a strong work ethic, they become frustrated and eventually settle for mediocrity.

Hard work is one of the most important habits any athlete can develop.

If you’re a player who wants to make it to the next level, working hard needs to be the cornerstone of your personal development.

Try your best on the field, in the classroom, and at home.

Act Like a Soccer Player

This may sound strange but acting like a soccer player can build confidence and set you up for success.

By acting like a soccer player, you get into character. A character that will help you become the person you want to be.

So, what does a soccer player act like? They have a certain swag about them. Some call it drip.

They walk around like they are the best but also stay very humble in the process.

They are often in athletic clothing. Crocs optional 😉

They are always playing or studying the game.

They find ways to get a competitive advantage.

Do the Boring Stuff (with purpose)

Many young players want to kick the ball as hard as they can into the net. They want to try all these crazy dribble moves. This is fun.

On the other hand, the players who succeed do the boring stuff.

They are in the backyard working on their touches. They are throwing the ball up and trapping it. They are doing situps to make their core stronger.

They do this with repetition…over and over again.

Developing a strong mindset to the boring stuff will make a player transition from good to great. This will also help in life.

Doing the boring stuff is the foundation of player development.

Shifting your mind to enjoy the boring stuff will make you a more productive person.