For example, before attempting to take a penalty, imagine yourself scoring by kicking the ball exactly where you want it to go. This method can also be used in learning new skills, such as a dribbling trick. Concentration is all about being focused on the task in hand, and not having your mind cluttered with other thoughts. Footballers, who are focused, are concentrating only on the game to the extent that they might not know what the time is or what the crowd is doing. Confidence in your ability is an important psychological quality, and can be built up by positive self-talk and team building .
Optimism is important.
Linked to this topic is the idea of cohesion. A team that criticses each other and contains personalities that dislike each other never plays at its best. Sports psychology is also covered in our soccer coaching programme , Soccer Academy . Before finishing, I want to mention time management. This is the skill of getting the most out of your time.