Team training is a vital component of success in soccer, but to take your game to the next level, it's essential to supplement with independent training. By putting in the extra work outside of team practices, you can develop a higher skill level, better ball control, and important physical attributes. But the gains go far beyond the field. Here are 7 life-changing benefits of committing to independent soccer training.
- Boost Your Confidence: Practicing on your own allows you to build comfort with skills, leading to a significant increase in confidence when you're back in the team environment. It’s very powerful to know that you’ve prepared, which will help you become a more confident soccer player.
- Empowerment and Ownership: Taking control of your successes and failures through independent training leads to a powerful feeling of empowerment and ownership over your progress. Accepting responsibility, asking questions, and committing to investing in oneself is a blueprint for success in nearly any field.
- Strength to Overcome Challenges: Soccer presents many challenges, from injury to competition for playing time. By continuing to train despite obstacles, you'll build the mental fortitude to face any challenge life throws your way.
- Learn Goal-Setting: By setting and working towards individual goals, you'll practice the valuable skill of goal-setting, developing a process-oriented mindset. Setting soccer goals for yourself is so important. If you're not doing it yet, be sure to learn more about setting measurable goals that you can track and work towards.
- Develop Habits: Training is all about habits, both on and off the field. Developing the habits of planning a weekly training schedule, finding creative solutions to train in bad weather or if sessions are canceled, and attending to improvement or recovery on a daily basis are important life skills that serve serve you well beyond the game.
- Strengthen Relationships: Independent training doesn’t have to be completely independent! It can provide an opportunity to bond with a parent, coach, sibling, or teammate on a deeper level.
- Long-Term Thinking: By focusing on the process of training, you’ll start to ask questions such as: What are my overall objectives in the sport? What am I willing to commit to and sacrifice? What can I expect to improve this year if I commit to weekly work? The ability to think and plan long term allows players not only to better overcome obstacles, but it helps to create a long-lasting love of the sport.
Take your game to the next level and unleash your full potential with independent soccer training. Let Techne be your guide!