Are you excited about the Women’s World Cup in 2023? Well, I am, and how great is it that we have it right on our doorstep with our neighbours in New Zealand, so we will watch the games live or on tv at a more comfortable time for a change.
I am glad to know that Melbourne has just received a huge investment from the government to build a high-performance centre for our Matilda’s National Team. It’s evident that the women’s game has really taken off. We have a new generation of soccer girls who dream of becoming the next Samantha Kerr, Megan Rapinoe or Alex Morgan. Women’s games audience is growing exponentially around the world. Therefore, we have must take responsibility and support it equally as the men’s game. So here is my advice for them…
If you are a female footballer who wants to perform at the highest level, you should consider the following tips:
1. Consider your menstrual cycles for your training programs
Scientific studies suggest that muscle and tendon injuries may occur approximately twice as often in the days preceding ovulation. This research provides further evidence of the need to consider the menstrual cycle and menstrual dysfunction in athletic populations.
Injury Incidence Across the Menstrual Cycle in International Footballers
2. Assess your strengths & weaknesses in a tangible way
Knowing where your strengths and weaknesses are tangibly (but not as a perception) is critical to anyone’s success. If you don’t know what they are, then you won’t realise your full potential in the future. Most of the time, we cannot identify all those things independently, so make sure you get the right tool to determine it.
3. Get the basics right (technique, biomechanics, fitness)
As we know, we must develop many skills so we can play the game at an optimal level. If you get the basics right, you have a better chance of performing more complex skills. Biomechanics are critical because they determine the accuracy of your technical skills. They are closely linked to each other. Fitness enables you to complete these skills at speed for the duration of the match without getting tired or injured during the execution phase.
4. Develop your individual skills
Individual skills are the key to your success as a team. If you cannot execute correctly, you are of no use to the team. Therefore, you shouldn’t rely on your Club’s team training to improve this particular area. It is your responsibility to repeatedly practice enough to develop a feeling for the skill and keep refreshing it, not to become stale. Ensure that you are fluent on both sides of your body as it will enable you to find more solutions during game situations to win more matches.
5. Build Self-Confidence
We tend to compare ourselves to someone else’s achievements. Consequently, we get overwhelmed. Focus on what you have achieved so far and write down some short term and long-term goals. This will help you build confidence and, most importantly, the certainty that you can achieve your goals.
6. Schedule your training ahead of time
Lock in your training times and days so that you don’t get sidetracked from your goals. This way, you will rapidly progress while organising your training schedule efficiently. Therefore, you will have more time to recover and enjoy time with family and friends.
7. Monitor your improvements
We all like to be acknowledged for our improvements, but it is essential that we monitor them, so you can make slight adjustments if needed. Once you reach your target, it is time to move onto the next skill, but it will also help you avoid making the same mistakes again.
8. Grow
Put a smile on your face and continue to educate yourself to have a balanced life and career. Look at areas to develop that can enhance your skills. Sometimes doing something different gives your mind a rest from the day to day demands of playing soccer and a chance to learn. Always go to training with a beginner’s mindset
9. Get a good mentor
Mentors can be the most crucial part of your journey. They understand what’s required to make it to the top and can give the necessary support to move forward. They will help you mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally stronger, so it always keeps you grounded.
Select the one that has already been successful in the area you want to work in. He/she will help you plan your development, which is the key to success.
And here there are two more as an extra bonus 😉
10. Enjoy the game
Sometimes we place too much pressure on ourselves but should go out and have fun. It doesn’t mean that we don’t try hard, be strong, or aggressive without intending to hurt our opponents, of course. On the contrary, you should do everything you can to win the game, accept your performance and whatever the result is, shake hands and put a smile on your face.
11. Feel the passion for what you do
I believe that this is the most important one, as passion and the love for what you do makes you want to work harder. It never seems like you’re working when you are passionate about your work. It’s the driving force to push yourself to the highest limits and gives you immense satisfaction.
With that said, I hope that I can see you one day playing in a big stadium, surrounded by thousands of fans.
Shhhh, before I go this is the magic secret only for those young soccer girls.., keep the faith and work hard !
Read this one ? 7 Common Mistakes That Will Kill Your Kid’s Soccer Career
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