All of these feats, which made Carli the “comeback kid”, has been attributed to her mental fortitude. Nevertheless, she went on to become a two-time Olympic medalist, three-time Olympian, two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion and a two-time FIFA Player of the Year. For Drogba, this mental toughness is even more respectable because he was a late-bloomer, only getting drafted in his mid-20s.Ĭarli Lloyd was told at the age of 21 that she wasn’t good enough and considered quitting the sport. He was noted for having incredible focus and ambition, which has been credited for his career-defining performances on Chelsea and in the 20 FA Cup finals. The only bail-out they’ll have is their mind.įor example, legendary players such as Andrea Pirlo were revered for their composure and concentration under tough situations such as his perfect penalty kick at the Euro 2012 quarter-final against England.ĭidier Drogba was also another shining example of mental toughness. In soccer, as it is with any sport, there are numerous scenarios where strength, power, speed, agility or even skill won’t save a player. Where Mental Toughness & Resilience Comes in Handy for Soccer Players And when the brain is firing as it should, the body will follow.
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The ability to maintain a clear mind, free of negative thoughts and stressors helps the brain perform at its peak despite external pressure. The decrease in cortisol reduces stress and the increase in testosterone boosts confidence. A study conducted by Harvard Business School demonstrated that dominant poses alone can decrease cortisol by 25 percent, while increasing testosterone by 19 percent. DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a steroid hormone that circulates in the body, improves muscle strength and enhances overall athletic performance. “Positive, energized language releases dopamine, which is linked to certainty and confidence, as well as noradrenaline and DHEA which enable your prefrontal lobe to fire more effectively.”Īs a side note, noradrenaline (aka norepinephrine) is a stimulatory neurotransmitter that boosts memory, focus and increases blood flow to skeletal muscles. The reverse is true as well, and Busch explained how a positive mindset primes the brain for elite performance. Reduced frontal lobe activity in a soccer player will likely increase the number of mistakes they make, lower their confidence and decrease their ability to concentrate. “Negativity and criticism is associated with the stress hormone cortisol, which reduces the ability of the frontal lobe to function effectively.” The frontal lobe is responsible for critical functions such as problem-solving, memory, and judgement, all of which impact a soccer player’s performance. Sports psychologist Bradley Busch summarizes the effect that positivity has on the brain.
Take, for example, what a positive frame of mind does to your brain chemistry. And it certainly gives athletes an edge on the field. Mental training isn’t just a trendy, new-age concept - science confirms that it actually changes the way our brains function. The Science Behind Mind Training for Soccer Players The task may seem reserved for sports psychologists, but coaches and young players themselves can practice this mental skill daily. In fact, mental toughness makes a physically skilled player even more fearsome on the pitch, and it’s a reason why all young players should train their minds for resilience. It helps them push themselves when their lungs and muscles are burning from fatigue. It motivates them to carry on despite missing a goal opportunity.
#Mental skills for soccer players series
***This article is part of an educational series for soccer parents and youth players new to soccer***įor the elite soccer player, mental toughness allows them to tune out chants from the fans of opposing teams.
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