3 Things Youth Soccer Players Should Focus On

If I had to drill down three things youth soccer players should focus on, it would be:

1. Improving physical fitness
2. Making quicker decisions
3. Developing a positive mindset

I believe the things above are the foundation for a successful player!

Certainly dribbling, passing, shooting, and defender are all important but those will be over time.

If young players establish a good foundation, they will accelerate their game more quickly. On the other hand, without a strong base, players will feel like a weight is always on their shoulders.

If you are looking to get better, here are three things to focus on as you progress in your soccer career. 

Improving Your Physical Fitness 

Being in good soccer shape is a critical aspect for players to improve their soccer performance. A healthy body can provide the edge and stamina to maximize a player’s skills. 

I recommend focusing on increasing your cardiovascular health and aerobic stamina first. Other things to focus on are:

• Improve muscle tone
• Lower body fat 
• Build flexibility and strength 

Depending on the player’s age, physical exercise should be introduced appropriately. For example, an 8-year-old should not be lifting heavy weights as their body and muscles are still developing. 

The primary aspect of plyometric training is learning how to make powerful and controlled movements while resting between them. Plyometrics positively influence players’ ability to change direction, sprint, and jump. 

Here are some plyometric exercises a player can do at home.

Make Quicker and Better Decisions 

No matter how skillful a soccer player is, they have to always be ready mentally. Decisiveness is one of the intangibles that separates the good from great players. 

Making informed, quick, and efficient decisions on the field is critical for a soccer player to achieve superior performance.

Because soccer can be taxing mentally, players who make decisions quicker than their opponents will have an edge.

In many cases, players will need to make 3 or more decisions in a 30-second window during a game. Should I attack or pass? Should I pinch in toward the middle of the field? Should I go for the tackle?

Most of a player’s decisions will come naturally. But, they have to build that muscle.

One of the best ways to practice making decisions quickly is during the day. Every day we are presented with many choices.

Encourage your child to make decisions on their own. Do they want cereal or eggs for breakfast? Make a choice. Do they prefer to buy black or white socks? Make a choice. 

Developing a Positive Mindset 

A positive mindset is vital for any young athlete.

Developing a positive mindset may not feel natural for some but it can improve performance.

Players with a growth mindset (over a fixed mindset) will have a greater chance of getting better over time. These players understand that, with hard work, they will improve their skills. 

In any sport, the season has its ups and downs. Maybe the team just lost four games in a row. Maybe the coach wasn’t happy because you weren’t paying attention. Maybe you are injured and missing a couple of weeks during the fall season.

Whatever the situation could be, having a strong, positive mindset can help you overcome it. 

It sounds so cliche but a positive mindset is everything!