Need to be less tense when I play

markk350 · 05-26-2008, 01:00 PM

Hi, I'm pretty new to this forum. My names Mark. I love playing soccer and play great when im just playing around with some friends or practicing on my own. But when it comes to games I play terribly, and also alot during my club team's practices.

One of my teammates told me that my coach (who knows me very well) said that I'm too tense when I play and I need to relax during games. He said Im one of the best players but that doesnt show during games because I am not relaxed enough.

The only problem is that I dont know how to relax in a game, I dont know how to fix it. And if I ever want to get anywhere with this sport I need to fix this. All help possible is greatly appreciated.

Thanks alot!

G_O_A_L · 05-29-2008, 11:29 PM

STRETCH It always helps seriously!

RossB · 06-06-2008, 08:12 PM

I've watched a lot more basketball in my life than soccer (even though I've played a lot more soccer than basketball). So my examples come more from basketball than soccer, but I think they work because the games are similar. One thing I've noticed from a lot of great basketball players is that they are smooth. Not every one of course, but a lot of them have a gliding motion that makes it appear as though they aren't going very fast. George Gervin was a master at that. He was one of the best offensive players in his day, but he always seemed to be going at 3/4 speed. Brandon Roy has the same style (and it serves him well). If you can picture yourself gliding around, making long, smooth, easy strides, that might help. For most players, playing at 3/4 speed is much better anyway. It takes extraordinary talent to be able to sprint at your fastest speed and still be able to play as well as if you are a little slower.

To mentally prepare yourself for a big game, take a tip from Pele. Before a big game he would imagine back when we was a kid, having fun, just playing with joy. I'm a really competitive bastard, so it has taken me a long time (I'm in my 40s) to be able to relax and play within myself. Good Luck.

coccacola13 · 06-25-2008, 04:52 PM

mark,

Have fun. It's just a game. It sounds like you're putting too much pressure on yourself to do win and do well. Just try your hardest, but always remember you play because it's fun.

bishop6 · 07-05-2008, 01:01 AM

when i coach i tell my players to visualize doing something well right from the start...whether it be making a pass, or collecting the ball...concentrate on doing something well from the off and you will relax....also dont take anything you do poorly too bad...there is always an opportunity to make it up later in the match...and above all have fun....if you cant have fun and are too tense it isnt worth it....have fun, enjoy your football....

wil

theonekaos · 08-06-2008, 11:38 PM

Hey man, sorry for the late reply. Not sure if you're still struggling to relax but I'll throw my 2cents in. I'm in my late 30's, and I have the exact same problem as you do/did. I was great when I was young(er), LOL. But what I do now is if I can get to the field about an hour earlier, and if there isn't any matches happening, I'll just walk around on the pitch with my ipod with some motivational tunes. Not looking down, but up, feeling out "my space" out there. I'll even pay attention to where the sun will be shining in an hour. I've even pick out spots on the pitch to go to during the match,..and if the volley to me is just right,..I'll slam that ball right at the keeper with all the sun rays in his eyes! So just get some tunes that settle your mind and body,...and go take in the pitch.

.......or,...what I did last week, only becuz it was 101 degrees here in Texas,...I slammed two beers before the game! LOL,..hey it was offered. sshhh, it worked to, hehehe.

06-06-2008, 08:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
RossB Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5 vCash: 500 Rep Points: 1	Try to be Smooth I've watched a lot more basketball in my life than soccer (even though I've played a lot more soccer than basketball). So my examples come more from basketball than soccer, but I think they work because the games are similar. One thing I've noticed from a lot of great basketball players is that they are smooth. Not every one of course, but a lot of them have a gliding motion that makes it appear as though they aren't going very fast. George Gervin was a master at that. He was one of the best offensive players in his day, but he always seemed to be going at 3/4 speed. Brandon Roy has the same style (and it serves him well). If you can picture yourself gliding around, making long, smooth, easy strides, that might help. For most players, playing at 3/4 speed is much better anyway. It takes extraordinary talent to be able to sprint at your fastest speed and still be able to play as well as if you are a little slower. To mentally prepare yourself for a big game, take a tip from Pele. Before a big game he would imagine back when we was a kid, having fun, just playing with joy. I'm a really competitive bastard, so it has taken me a long time (I'm in my 40s) to be able to relax and play within myself. Good Luck.

07-05-2008, 01:01 AM	#5 (permalink)
bishop6 Soccer Forums Benchwarmer Offline Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 32 vCash: 500 Rep Points: 1	when i coach i tell my players to visualize doing something well right from the start...whether it be making a pass, or collecting the ball...concentrate on doing something well from the off and you will relax....also dont take anything you do poorly too bad...there is always an opportunity to make it up later in the match...and above all have fun....if you cant have fun and are too tense it isnt worth it....have fun, enjoy your football.... wil __________________ football lover wilburbishop@hotmail.com

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05-29-2008, 11:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
G_O_A_L Soccer+Skateboard=LIFE Offline Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 14 vCash: 500 Rep Points: 1	STRETCH It always helps seriously!

06-25-2008, 04:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
coccacola13 Future Coach Offline Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3 vCash: 500 Rep Points: 1	mark, Have fun. It's just a game. It sounds like you're putting too much pressure on yourself to do win and do well. Just try your hardest, but always remember you play because it's fun.

08-06-2008, 11:38 PM	#6 (permalink)
theonekaos Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Texas,...oops I mean Hell. Posts: 4 vCash: 500 Rep Points: 1	Hey man, sorry for the late reply. Not sure if you're still struggling to relax but I'll throw my 2cents in. I'm in my late 30's, and I have the exact same problem as you do/did. I was great when I was young(er), LOL. But what I do now is if I can get to the field about an hour earlier, and if there isn't any matches happening, I'll just walk around on the pitch with my ipod with some motivational tunes. Not looking down, but up, feeling out "my space" out there. I'll even pay attention to where the sun will be shining in an hour. I've even pick out spots on the pitch to go to during the match,..and if the volley to me is just right,..I'll slam that ball right at the keeper with all the sun rays in his eyes! So just get some tunes that settle your mind and body,...and go take in the pitch. .......or,...what I did last week, only becuz it was 101 degrees here in Texas,...I slammed two beers before the game! LOL,..hey it was offered. sshhh, it worked to, hehehe.