Effective Ways to Set Goals in Soccer
Setting goals are an important part of improving your skills in soccer. It is common that soccer players are great at coming up with long-term goals, though struggle with setting short term goals and creating an action plan.
Soccer players we work with at Peak Performance Sports initially come in with goals such as “become a starter”, “win State Cup”, “win a National Championship”, or “play professionally.”
We are always quick to encourage these goals but we help our soccer players develop smaller goals that will help them reach their big dreams.
As you know, training for any sport is critical to success in competition, soccer is no different.
The best soccer players in the world are often the athletes that train smart. By training smart, we mean having well-structured goals for each practice session that help soccer players get the most out of each session.
Setting goals in soccer important for the following reasons:
- To enhance motivation and commitment.
- To help you stay focused on what to accomplish.
- To help you focus on the process and in the now.
- To assess strengths and weaknesses so you can structure practice accordingly.
- To keep track of performance improvements and progress.
We ask soccer players to come up with goals for the upcoming weeks, based on what they need to improve. They then have to create an action plan on how they will make improvements in these areas.
For example, if you want to improve your fitness, you will need to set up a daily schedule that involves running, strength training, and recovery time, this is called goal specificity.
We also want your goals to be measurable so that you know when you have achieved it. You might say you want to run a certain distance in a certain time or get to a particular level in your fitness test. Training smarter means you have a direction and plan to attaining your long-term goals.
Setting goals is only one small part of developing mental toughness and confidence in soccer. If you would like to learn how to overcome other mental barriers in soccer download our free ebook “7 Mental Game Mistakes that Block Soccer Players’ Success”.
Learn Mental Game Secrets to Soccer Confidence!
Does your confidence seem to disappear when you go from practice to games and don’t know why? Do you get nervous and anxious in big games or when you are under a ton of pressure? Do you get so frustrated when you make a bad pass which causes your confidence to sink?
Learn proven strategies to improve focus, composure and confidence so you can perform at your peak in games!
Players: Get the mental edge by learning how to take control of your confidence, mentally prepare for games and perform with composure under pressure.
Trainers: Learn how to give your students the mental game advantage.
Coaches: Boost your team’s confidence using simple proven mental strategies.
Parents: Help boost your soccer player’s confidence. Don’t let their mind hold them back any longer.
What are soccer confidence customers saying?
“Dr. Cohn, Michelle had the best weekend of soccer she has ever played. She was relaxed, did not get frustrated with herself or teammates, and never once ‘shut down.’ Numerous parents noticed a difference in her composure and attitude. Thanks again for EVERYTHING…Michelle is in a very good place right now!”
~Diana, Michelle’s Mother
Do You Make Any of These ‘Costly’ Mental Game Mistakes?
Download our FREE soccer psychology report and discover if you make any of these ‘costly’ mental game mistakes that can block your success.
- How your soccer mind can be your best or worst asset on the field.
- How frustration and dwelling are your worst enemy.
- If you are using your soccer mindset effectively before games.
- Learn the important mental game of soccer skills you need to master to boost your confidence and performance.
What are soccer psychology subscribers saying?
“I have enjoyed and benefited from your emails over the past year or two. I have been a player, parent, and coach in soccer over the past 40 years. Thanks for the assistance with the mental game resources.”
~Kyle Congleton, Soccer Coach and Parent
Mental Game Coaching for Soccer Players
Master mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn can help you overcome your mental game issues with personal coaching.
You can work with Dr. Patrick Cohn himself in Orlando, Florida or via Skype, FaceTime, or telephone. Call us toll free at 888-742-7225 or contact us for more information about the different coaching programs we offer!
We look forward to helping you improve your mental toughness!
What are our mental coaching students saying?
“Jaki is amazingly talented. She has a pretty cool way of guiding you to find those issues that are holding you back in your game. Through some pretty clever questions she’s been guiding me to discover the real issues behind my doubts and lack of confidence. With the tools she’s been giving me, I can say with full confidence I am on my way of signing a better professional contract.”
~Lucas Gonzales, Professional Soccer Player in Australia