| You're not satisfied with average. You push harder | | | | long and short passing exercises with friends outside |
| than everyone else in practice. When the pressure's | | | | of school or at recess during school. |
| on, you're the one pulling a few miracles on the field. | | | | Our soccer camps' players train for hours every day |
| But it's a big world out there, with thousands of players | | | | on ball handling. When you do this, you start to get a |
| just like you or better competing in soccer camps and | | | | feel for the ball and gain muscle memory. That way, |
| tournaments every day and growing stronger. So how | | | | when the ball is flying towards you, you don't even |
| can you take your game to the next level? | | | | think about how to handle it. It's instinct. This gives you |
| Take your training home | | | | an edge on the field. |
| At age 18 or 19, your average pro has been exposed | | | | Boosting your mental game |
| to roughly 10,000 hours of contact with the ball. To | | | | It takes more than just physical ability to win games. |
| achieve that, you're looking at a minimum of 3 to 4 | | | | Pro teams focus on mental strength and attitude as |
| hours of practice every day. So realistically, you'll be | | | | well. In our soccer camps, we teach players to |
| doing a lot on your own. Being involved in practice is | | | | concentrate only on the game, and not let other |
| not enough. It's important to practice by yourself to | | | | thoughts clutter their mind. Focused players are not |
| really hone your skills. | | | | distracted by the crowd, their parents, or any other |
| Training for control | | | | non-related issues. |
| As much as possible, be in contact with the ball. This | | | | Maintaining a positive attitude during the game keeps |
| may sound basic, but it should always, always be the | | | | you from missing perfectly good shots under stress. |
| focus. We teach our soccer camps' players to | | | | Instead of second-guessing yourself, use imagery |
| dominate from the first touch, deaden a ball that | | | | techniques to perfect your skills in your mind's eye. |
| seems beyond your control, and make every pass hit | | | | Visualize yourself performing the moves flawlessly. |
| the right person. | | | | This can also help you learn new skills faster. |
| When you're at home in the backyard, get the ball and | | | | This mental strength and preparation makes a |
| juggle. You can start on a hard surface at first, or | | | | difference towards the end of the game when your |
| juggling next to a wall. Start simple: juggle twice, then | | | | body starts to get tired. That's when you need to |
| let the ball bounce, juggling three to four times and let it | | | | maintain that focus and confidence so you don't make |
| bounce again. Pay attention to how it feels to properly | | | | mistakes. |
| lift the ball. Build up your touch and start moving to the | | | | With dedication, you can start pushing forward to |
| grass. | | | | realizing your potential as a soccer player. You'll gain |
| At our soccer camps, we notice some players catch | | | | confidence as you become a better player, becoming |
| on faster with ball control than others. Don't skip this if | | | | a crucial asset to your team. And of course, you'll start |
| you find it difficult. If you keep practicing, you will | | | | seeing improvement when it really counts - on the |
| improve this skill. We've got some great videos of | | | | pitch during season play. |
| players showing off their juggling skills if you need | | | | Want more soccer tips? Check out Soccer Camp |
| inspiration. Practice your passing technique by doing | | | | Secrets: Part Two. |