Does Self Confidence Effect a Soccer Player?

Im my opinion, the answer to that is YES! As a matter of fact, it is my belief that lack of self confidence in a soccer player can result in as much as 25% decrease in their performance and production.

Here is my rationale: remember when you took a test at school or you had to make a presentation to others at work? When you were prepared, you probably thought..."go ahead teacher, ask me anything...bring it on! I can answer it!" You were confident, you were bold, you were aggressive, you had a winner's mentality! Conversely, go into that test or presentation ill prepared and watch yourself be hesitant, quiet, weak and unassuming!

I see it on the soccer field all the time. Those soccer players who are confident in theri game, will make the bold pass, they will make the aggressive tackle on the ball and they will instill confidence in their teammates too. That soccer player is a difference maker on the soccer field!

Get 11 of those types of players on the field and watch out! You will have win after win after win! That soccer team will be unbelievable to watch.

Now, if the player is not confident, you will see uninspiring play, hesitant players and in all likelihood a loss in the loss column. When you are confident, a soccer player's game elevates, conversely, when they lack confidence, their game drops! Their ability hasn't changed, confidence is the driving force here.

So how can me make a player or team more confident? I believe there are three ways soccer coaches can inject confidence into their players.

• Be a positive coach when you communicate or talk to your team. You can be tough or firm with the players, but always make certain that they feel good about themselves at the end.
• Prepare them ~ challenge them and work with them in practice to make them a better soccer player and athlete.
• Put them in a position of success ~ let them know what you are expecting out of them and let them know when they have done well and instruct them when they haven't. Also, let them know what their roles are on the team.

Doing these simple, yet crucial coaching steps and you will see how well your confident soccer players and teams will excel on the soccer field.

What other ways do you instill confidence in your players, leave me a reply!

Have a great day!

Gary

www.soccerandspeedcoach.com