The mental aspect of soccer is so powerful it will make or break your performance. Yes, it’s that important.

The best soccer training equipment you can get is you and a ball. That’s one of the great things about the sport of soccer.

You don’t really need soccer training equipment when it comes to your ball skills.

That being said, there’s definitely training equipment you can get that allow you to do more and have a little more fun. The last thing you want to do is get bored! [continue reading…]

Injuries are terrible. They may be a parent and player’s worst nightmare. They not only take a physical toll in terms of lost playing time, they can take a mental toll as well.

Sometimes that mental toll, especially with something like a torn ACL, is much worse and a bigger hurdle to overcome, than the physical injury itself.

No parent wants to see their young player on the sideline for an extended period of time. Or struggling with their confidence once they return to the pitch. Or even simply being behind developmentally because of the time off. [continue reading…]

Today’s Soccer Specialist Podcast is a must listen if I do say so myself.

It’s my ‘interview’ with US Women’s National Team Player and two timie World Cup Champion, Kelley O’Hara.

One of the great things about the sport of soccer is all the things you can do to excel at the game without being the biggest, strongest, or fastest player on the pitch.

All true.

You can check all those things out in this episode of The Soccer Specialist Podcast: How To Become An Elite Soccer Player <== (Without Being The Biggest, Strongest, or Fastest Player On The Pitch)

It really is a must listen.

That being said, all else being equal, speed is a game changer! The sports cliche “speed kills” really is true and soccer is no different. [continue reading…]

Proper strength training and conditioning are too often overlooked for soccer players (except most professional teams).

A good soccer strength and conditioning program should be part of your development plan even at younger ages while also working on becoming a smart, skilled soccer player.

In a study of 60 sports for various athletic categories, soccer was ranked as follows: [continue reading…]

If you want to go from an average player to an elite player, you can’t do what everyone else does. You need to set yourself apart.

There’s a simple way to do that but it’s not easy. To find out how to become elite, keep reading!

First, let’s get this out of the way. There is a talent lottery. No matter what I did, or how I trained, I was never going to be Messi.

That being said, very few athletes reach their potential, and great talent goes wasted all too often.

And lesser talents may turn out to be better players in the long run.

Players who only rely on natural talent will eventually hit a wall. [continue reading…]

Dear Coaches and Parents, This is SO IMPORTANT!! And I never see coaches or parents talking about this.

Coaches, please, please please let your players know it’s okay to make mistakes and try new things every practice! PRAISE it when it happens!

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Power Up Your Performance On The Pitch With The Right Fuel Your Body Needs To Succeed

Written By: Gregg Gillies

Nutrition for soccer players is often overlooked and neglected. Whether it’s soccer coaches, trainers, strength coaches, or parents, the focus is on the physical development of the youth athlete.

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