***This article is part of an educational series for soccer parents and youth players new to soccer***
For the elite soccer player, mental toughness allows them to tune out chants from the fans of opposing teams. It motivates them to carry on despite missing a goal opportunity. It helps them push themselves when their lungs and muscles are burning from fatigue.
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. The task may seem reserved for sports psychologists, but coaches and young players themselves can practice this mental skill daily.
The Science Behind Mind Training for Soccer Players
Mental training isn’t just a trendy, new-age concept - science confirms that it actually changes the way our brains function. And it certainly gives athletes an edge on the field.
Take, for example, what a positive frame of mind does to your brain chemistry. Sports psychologist Bradley Busch summarizes the effect that positivity has on the brain.
“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. 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.
The reverse is true as well, and Busch explained how a positive mindset primes the brain for elite performance.
“Positive, energized language {referring to self-talk} releases dopamine, which is linked to certainty and confidence, as well as noradrenaline and DHEA which enable your prefrontal lobe to fire more effectively.”
As a side note, noradrenaline (aka norepinephrine) is a stimulatory neurotransmitter that boosts memory, focus and increases blood flow to skeletal muscles. DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a steroid hormone that circulates in the body, improves muscle strength and enhances overall athletic performance.
Here’s some more incredible research. A study conducted by Harvard Business School demonstrated that dominant poses alone can decrease cortisol by 25 percent, while increasing testosterone by 19 percent. The decrease in cortisol reduces stress and the increase in testosterone boosts confidence.
The ability to maintain a clear mind, free of negative thoughts and stressors helps the brain perform at its peak despite external pressure. And when the brain is firing as it should, the body will follow.
Where Mental Toughness & Resilience Comes in Handy for Soccer Players
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. The only bail-out they’ll have is their mind.
For 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.
Didier Drogba was also another shining example of mental toughness. He was noted for having incredible focus and ambition, which has been credited for his career-defining performances on Chelsea and in the 2007 and 2009 FA Cup finals. For Drogba, this mental toughness is even more respectable because he was a late-bloomer, only getting drafted in his mid-20s.
Carli Lloyd was told at the age of 21 that she wasn’t good enough and considered quitting the sport. 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. All of these feats, which made Carli the “comeback kid”, has been attributed to her mental fortitude.
What’s the takeaway here? Mental toughness helps players rise up to all challenges, whether those challenges are external or from within. And having mental toughness will help young players push through obstacles when physical strength is not enough.
When Mental Toughness is a Young Soccer Player’s Lifeline
Techniques for Building Mental Toughness & Resilience in Soccer Players
It’s important for coaches, players and parents to remember that mental toughness is something that can be developed - it’s not something players are born with. And it’s not necessary to spend hours in a psychologist’s office or at a fancy retreat to get in touch with themselves. There are many exercises and practices that young players can do at home on their own or with others to build their mental toughness.
Techniques for Young Players to Improve their Mental Toughness
Soccer is a Mind-Body Intervention
You’ve probably heard this cliche before: “in sport, 90 percent of performance is mental”. We won’t argue whether that number should be taken at face value or not, but there’s no denying that elite soccer performance depends heavily on one’s mental toughness.
The earlier players understand this, the more time they’ll have to develop their mental game, which will give them a serious advantage over those who don’t. And they will be the ones who will enjoy a lifelong passion for the game no matter what challenges they will eventually face.
