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                               - Ross Moffat
 

So what’s Rossco ranting about this week?

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, soccer isn’t just about being a technical, tactical or athletic player- there is the mental side to the game, and, this is the side that can often let us down. The psychological component of soccer controls everything else. You could be a great defender, the best passer or the quickest player on your team, but if you fail mentally, you will fail in the other areas of the game.

I say this after a weekend during which I witnessed many teams concede a goal immediately after scoring themselves. And, in another example, a team that got down on themselves so much after losing a goal, that they lost another one! Talk about putting yourself in a hole! So after a goal (or a disruption like an injury stoppage), it is important to follow the three ‘R’s.

RECOGNIZE: Recognize that your mind has wondered. Recognize the emotions you are feeling, for example, excitement or disappointment.

REGROUP: Remember what is important and what is not important. It is important to concentrate on how you perform for the rest of the game, to play your role and have a positive influence. It is not important that the parent’s are yelling, or that you are excited or disappointed, this can all be dealt with later.

REFOCUS: Ask yourself what you need to concentrate on at that moment to help you execute the rest of the game to the best of your ability. You know what you need to do, use the three ‘R’s to keep you there!