When to Start Developing Mental Skills?

I just arrived back from the NSCAA Soccer Convention in Philadelphia and though there were many speakers and panelists addressing mental skills development, the suggested timing for such training varied. Many skill development models are terrific at identifying when and how to strengthen a player’s physical, tactical, and technical abilities, however, the mental, emotional and social components are often not discussed until the player is 15 or 16 years. I have a big problem with waiting this long to address the mental, emotional, and social components of any player’s game. Why are we as coaches waiting so long? Why are we allowing players to develop 8-10 years of poor mental habits?

I believe there are several reasons why coaches and clubs are not developing these aspects at earlier ages. First, I think many coaches would say it’s a timing issue. Coaches tell me, “Well, we don’t even have enough time on the field to develop the technical skills needed so I’m not taking time off the field to work on that sport psych. stuff.” Secondly, some coaches don’t feel they have enough knowledge/background to “teach” the mental side of the game. And finally, there are coaches out there who do not see the benefits of mental skills training.

For this particular blog entry I will tackle the timing issue that coaches have with mental skills training. Mental skills are developed just as physical, technical, and tactical skills – a player needs to be educated (knowledge) and then they need to practice those skills. The key is PRACTICE!! Many coaches believe that soccer/football is at least 50% mental and as the players become more elite this percentage increases. Therefore, it makes sense that at least 50% of practice time be devoted to the mental side of the game. However, please understand that this type of mental training does not have to occur off the field.

Below is an example of how to incorporate mental skills training directly into an on the field exercise.

• Split your team into two teams. Once split, tell one of the two teams the restriction you will be putting onto the game (i.e. a player can only score using their left foot).
• The other team will not know the restriction but must figure it out in order to be successful (in this case for a goal to be counted they must realize they can only score with their left foot).
• Observe the game carefully. Who is stepping up and trying to figure out the restriction? Who gets frustrated with themselves and/or their teammates? Which player(s) begin to “shut down” or who rises to the occasion and plays better?

This exercise is terrific since you will be able to identify which players on your team struggle with coping skills, managing emotions, communication, etc and the best part you’re training technical, tactical along with the psychological components of the game.

Photo Credit  casey.marshall