Soccer Control, Ego and Mental Focus

by Kotaro Nakamura
(Kawasaki, Japan)

I've always had a problem with running towards crowded areas where there are many opponents clustered around. It's so simple yet I only realized after watching myself on a video while playing futsal:

I was on the left wing. One defender in front of me, 2 behind that defender in front of the goal. Instead of going into space (further on the left wing), I cut into the middle with my left foot, got past the defender and there were 2 more in front of me!

I trickily dodged both of those defenders and then pushed the ball towards the left. There waiting was the original defender I got past in the first place who pressured me into kicking the ball out on the left wing area.

The first time I watched the video I thought, "I'm so cool, I just dodged 2 players man!" But later I realized, "...why did I waste my time cutting inside to the right, making it harder for myself while I could have just cut left towards the wing and then crossed or shot the ball..."

I had two problems:

1. Ego - I wanted to show off by doing some tricky dribble instead of playing simple.

2. Lack of concentration - I was so rushed (even though there was no pressure) that I just tried doing "something" instead of "thinking first" and then moving into a more convenient area where I could have produced something.

The Solution:

1. Ego: Get a piece of paper. Right down why you must play well as a team (instead of playing individually), the consequences for not playing with your teammates, and then the gratification and pleasure you can get from playing well as a team (winning together, smiling faces, a sense of achievement as a whole).

2. Concentration: Use affirmations. As crazy as this sounds, TRY IT! Whenever you feel like you're losing control in your head or losing concentration, say the word: "SWITCH!" or "NEXT!" with intensity! Then repeat to yourself:

-I'm in full control of my reaction!

-I have 200% concentration!

-I'm FULLY FOCUSED!

-I'm relaxed, I've got time, I can think!

It's up to you to try the things I've mentioned. But if you really want to become a better player or even a professional, you've got to try everything you can to be better and that means going for it even if you have doubts!!! Just Do It - Nike - keep that in mind!
Best of luck, Kotaro