At Sogility, we put the individual player’s needs first and take the time to ensure that each player’s needs are met. This detailed training allows the facility to train everyone from professionals to recreational players.

Here are some tips to avoid certain mistakes while training:

1. Complacency

• Coming to practice just because you have to versus coming to practice with the mindset that it’s another opportunity to improve and grow
• “You play the way you practice”
• If the effort during training isn’t there, it will reflect on the field no matter what. You want to train and focus on your training sessions because those are the moments that will prepare you for success or not.
• Once you have a good rhythm, it is crucial to continue to try and train faster

2. Lack of fuel

• You can’t train if you’re lacking energy and are hungry
• Eating the proper food and staying hydrated provides the best chance to perform with high energy and intensity

3. Being afraid to make a mistake

• If you are constantly afraid to make mistakes, you will struggle to learn and grow from them
• Fear of making errors should not inhibit you from trying new things
• Everyone will make a mistake, but those that learn and understand how to fix those mistakes will become more successful players.

4. Don’t overcomplicate things

• Don’t try to do too much all at once and make the simple things hard
• Trying to do a skill too quickly or rushing through essential parts of the training could hinder your growth
• Not focusing and working on the fundamental skills (like passing, shooting, ball control, etc.) in training will hurt you more come game time
• “Keep it simple”

5. Not warming up/cooling down

• Ensuring that your muscles are ready for the strenuous activity of any soccer drill by adequately warming up
• Cooling down your muscles and starting the recovery process so that you can quickly turn around and perform the next training session again

6. Don’t stand flat-footed

• An easy way to tell if you’re engaged in your training is if you are in an athletic position
• It’s difficult to train at a high level if you’re standing like a statue
• Keep your feet moving, knees slightly bent, and prepare your body and mind to complete the given tasks

7. Forgetting the tactical or physical side of the game

• Working on your fitness, muscle mobility/strength, health, and the tactical side of the game is important
• Understanding the game, being in good shape to play the game, and keeping your body healthy are all huge aspects to work on and off the field

8. Avoiding your weak foot

• Avoiding your weak foot because you aren’t as good with it is counterproductive to getting better and making sure that you can use either foot when you’re in a game situation
• Being able to apply the work you put into strengthening your weak foot in training will help grow your confidence
• Having confidence in both feet on and off the field will make you a vital asset to your team

9. Not setting training goals for each session 

• You should have at least 2 or 3 things in each training session you want to focus on
• Mentally preparing for your session is just as important as physically preparing
• This gives you a tangible way to evaluate your improvement by comparing the beginning of your training session to the end

10. Not seeking advice from those with experience

• Questions about technical skills or tactical decision-making will increase your development
• It shows others that you want to understand the training and gain knowledge of the game
• It shows that you care about your development and want to grow as a player

Article Info Credit:

Grace Bahr – Trainer – Westfield

Sam Dewey – Trainer – Westfield

Robyn McCarthy – Trainer – Westfield