15 Mental Preparation Tips Soccer Players Need Before Game Day
- Dr Paul McCarthy
- Nov 7
- 17 min read
The path to mental preparation mastery requires 10,000 hours of dedicated practice . World-class athletes can crumble under pressure despite peak physical fitness when their minds aren't ready.
Mental preparation tips helps athletes manage pressures from within and outside the game . Your mental game builds the foundation for resilience whether you face pre-game anxiety - a major barrier to relaxed performance - or seek a competitive edge . To name just one example, Real Madrid's midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni trained with virtual reality to prepare mentally for his new position .
A well-prepared mind breeds confidence naturally . Soccer's most exceptional players throughout history have showed one defining trait: mental resilience under pressure . This complete guide offers 15 practical mental preparation techniques you can apply before your next match. Your pre-game routine's consistency during smaller games makes it a powerful asset when big matches arrive .
Visualization stands out as a powerful mental preparation technique that elite soccer players use worldwide. This practice goes beyond simple daydreaming and creates detailed mental simulations of game scenarios.
Visualization explanation
Visualization (also called mental imagery or mental rehearsal) lets players practice specific soccer skills mentally without moving. The brain creates neural pathways during visualization that match those formed during actual physical performance [1]. These mental rehearsals train your mind to respond better when game situations happen [2].
Benefits of visualization for soccer
Players gain several advantages from this mental preparation:
Better focus with fewer distractions
Match-day confidence boost
Better decisions under pressure
Stronger technique and positioning
Faster reaction time [1]
The practice helps players manage anxiety during competitions and builds mental toughness for challenging situations [3].
How to practice visualization
Players should follow these steps:
Visualization shows the best results when players create vivid, detailed images that use all senses, happen in real-time, and keep a positive focus [3].
Top athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and David Beckham use meditation as part of their mental preparation. The results they get from this technique are remarkable.
What is meditation in sports
Sports meditation goes beyond just relaxing. It teaches you to focus on the present moment without judging your thoughts [4]. Athletes learn to notice and accept their thoughts and feelings, both internal and external [4]. The practice covers several techniques - from meditation and breathing exercises to positive self-talk and visualization [5]. Jon Kabat-Zinn puts it best: mindfulness is "the awareness that arises by paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally" [5].
Why meditation helps athletes
Research backs up meditation's positive effects on athletic performance [4]. Mindfulness meditation helps high school and college athletes reduce negative thoughts and stress while boosting their overall well-being [5]. Professional soccer players showed better recovery and less stress after a six-week mindfulness program [5]. Athletes who meditate handle pre-game nerves better [4]. Their cortisol levels drop [5], and they make smarter decisions under pressure by creating space between what happens and how they react [5]. Professional cyclists who meditate experience more flow states and less negativity [5].
How to start meditating
Start small with 5-10 minute sessions [6]. Pick a quiet spot where nothing will disturb you [6]. Pay attention to your breathing - notice how each breath feels [6]. Your mind will wander - that's normal. Just notice it without being hard on yourself and bring your focus back to breathing [6]. Daily short sessions work better than occasional long ones [1]. Many athletes find apps like Headspace or Calm helpful when starting their meditation practice [1].
Virtual Reality (VR) technology is changing the way soccer players get ready mentally for games. Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni learned this firsthand when he used VR to adapt to his new position.
What is VR training
VR soccer training combines special headsets and software that create realistic game scenarios without stepping onto the field. Players find themselves in real-life match situations where they receive passes under pressure, defend against counterattacks, and find space in packed midfields [2]. The beauty of VR lies in its flexibility - players can pause, rewind, or slow down any scenario to better understand tactics [2].
Benefits of VR for mental preparation
VR training boosts mental preparation in several ways. Brain scans show that VR training increases prefrontal activity by 40% over eight weeks, which helps players react faster and more accurately [7]. Players who can't train due to injuries use VR to stay mentally sharp [2]. The numbers speak for themselves - 61.54% of players believe VR relaxation techniques help them perform better in games [8]. Players' confidence gets a boost too, with 84.62% feeling more capable after VR heading practice [9].
How to use VR before game day
Players should start with brief 20-30 minute VR sessions to avoid motion sickness [10]. The focus should be on making decisions that match your position on the field [11]. VR works best when players practice specific plays they might face from upcoming opponents [10]. Remember that VR works as a complement to regular training - it shouldn't replace traditional practice methods [10].
Box breathing is one of the most powerful mental preparation techniques available to soccer players. Navy SEALs use this simple technique in high-stress situations because of its square-shaped pattern of equal breathing intervals [12].
What is box breathing
Box breathing (also called square breathing or four-square breathing) follows a rhythmic pattern with four equal parts [12]. Your heartbeat naturally syncs with this predictable respiratory rhythm [13]. The technique comes from pranayama, an ancient Ayurvedic form of breathwork from India [12]. Big wave surfer Laird Hamilton calls it "oxygenation of the system" that builds "conscious awareness" of breathing [14].
Why breath control matters in soccer
Your muscles just need more oxygen during intense matches [14]. Controlled breathing helps build mental strength and focus before big games [14]. Your heart rate slows down, blood pressure decreases, and you can better manage anxiety symptoms like nausea—especially when you have high-pressure moments like penalty kicks [12]. Studies show that box breathing improves concentration, emotional balance, and heart rate variability, which shows you can handle stress better [12].
How to practice box breathing
Here's how to do box breathing:
Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds
Hold your breath for 4 seconds
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 seconds
Hold for 4 seconds before beginning again [14]
You only need 2 minutes of practice before games [14]. Start with 2-second intervals if 4 seconds seems too challenging at first [3]. The best part? You can practice box breathing anywhere, and no one will notice you're doing it [15].
Your internal conversation might be the most important one you have on game day. Top athletes know that mental preparation means mastering this internal dialog.
What is self-talk
Self-talk is the internal dialog athletes involve themselves in during training and games. This goes beyond positive thinking and includes anything that isn't negative or self-defeating [16]. Your internal conversation affects your performance right now, and you choose its direction [16]. Self-talk works as your personal coach and guides you to a calm, focused state whatever the pressure [17].
Benefits of positive self-talk
Athletes who use positive self-talk perform 20% better than those who don't, according to studies [18]. This mental preparation technique has many more advantages:
Better performance-related motivation
Higher self-confidence and self-control
Boosts effort and controls attention
Controls anxiety levels [6]
Soccer players benefit greatly from self-talk as it helps them maintain focus, bounce back from losses, and play without fear [17]. Positive phrases keep you centered at crucial moments, while negative self-talk damages your confidence [19].
Examples of soccer-specific affirmations
Soccer affirmations work best in these categories:
Motivational self-talk:
"I am unstoppable and ready to dominate this game!"
"I was born to play at this level—bring on the challenge!" [17]
"Keep your head up and scan the field for options."
"First touch away from pressure."Â [17]
Present-moment focus:
"This is the only play that matters right now."
"Next play mentality—what happened before is done." [17]
Your gaze direction before taking a shot could be your secret weapon in mental preparation.
What is quiet eye
Quiet Eye (QE) means the last fixed look at a specific target before executing a skill [20]. Dr. Joan Vickers first found this pattern while studying basketball free throws. QE requires you to keep your eyes steady on the target for at least 100 milliseconds (and up to 3 seconds) before you move [21]. Soccer players use this focused gaze right before they pass, shoot, or defend [20].
Why it improves focus
QE training boosts performance in multiple ways. Athletes who look longer at their targets perform better under pressure [20]. Soccer players at university level who learned QE became more accurate. Their shots were 50% less likely to be saved by goalkeepers compared to untrained players [22]. This method helps players block out distractions and process vital visual information. Players can then fine-tune their movements for precise execution [21]. The brain's motor planning systems line up to help execute complex movements smoothly [4].
How to apply it in soccer
To implement QE training:
Look at your chosen spot in the goal for at least a second before shooting [5]
Keep your eyes on the space or defender while using side vision to watch the ball [20]
Make this part of your regular technical drills [20]
Say your target out loud before you act to strengthen your intention [5]
Your mental preparation puzzle might be missing one key piece - setting targets for yourself. Top players know how important it is to have clear objectives before they step onto the pitch.
What is goal setting
Goal setting means deciding what you want to achieve—the target of your actions [23]. Soccer players need specific targets for game day performance, not just vague hopes. Your mental roadmap comes from goal setting, which guides you when the pressure builds in big matches. Random hopes won't cut it. Well-laid-out goals create accountability and purpose that reshape your mental approach.
Why goals improve focus
Goals that are properly structured boost performance in multiple ways. They help you focus on what matters instead of getting distracted. Athletes who use goal-setting strategies show real improvements in their performance [23]. Research shows that moderately challenging goals work better than easy or super hard ones [24]. You stay motivated during tough match situations because goals give you clear ways to track your progress. This mental preparation technique builds your confidence as you hit smaller targets on your way to game day.
How to set effective soccer goals
The SMART framework forms the basis for game-day goals that work:
Specific: "Complete 85% of my passes" instead of "pass better" [25]
Measurable: "Make 5 successful tackles" rather than "defend well" [26]
Achievable: Push yourself but keep it possible [27]
Relevant: Focus on what you can control, not just results [27]
Time-bound: Set clear deadlines—by halftime or full-time [28]
Mix individual goals (like improving weak-foot passing) with team objectives (keeping defensive shape) to get the most from your mental preparation before a game [29].
Your mental preparation before a game can make the difference between consistency and chaos on the pitch. Elite players never leave their mindset to chance.
What is a mental routine
A pre-game mental routine (also called a pre-performance routine or PPR) includes specific thoughts and actions athletes use systematically before competition [1]. These structured routines go beyond superstitions like wearing "lucky socks" and focus on purposeful mental and physical activities that boost performance [1]. Sports psychology research shows these routines benefit both newcomers and seasoned athletes [1].
Why routines reduce anxiety
Pre-game routines substantially lower anxiety levels before competition [30]. These well-laid-out approaches help athletes perform better in multiple ways. Athletes can focus on important cues, feel more confident and in control, and keep their anxiety manageable [1]. The routines also give athletes an action plan that lets them mentally rehearse before executing their skills [1]. We used these routines to create a psychological foundation that helps athletes switch from their daily mindset to a competitive focus [31].
How to build your own routine
You can create your personal pre-game mental routine by:
Using transition activities to move from "life mode" to "athlete mode" [32]
Adding relaxation techniques like box breathing
Visualizing successful performance
Creating positive affirmations for your position
Making it consistent—even in less important matches [33]
The routine's power comes from consistency rather than complexity [33]. You should use the same mental preparation approach in friendly matches as you would in championships [33].
Soccer players often hurt their performance through a mental trap that most don't see. This trap? Outcome expectations.
What are outcome expectations
Players set these expectations for themselves about how well they should perform or what results they want—like "I must score today" or "We have to win this match" [34]. Goals differ from expectations that work as unspoken rules making you judge your performance constantly [35]. Players obsess over things they can't control during games [36].
Why letting go helps performance
Players set these expectations with good intentions, but they actually damage confidence [35]. These rigid standards become "the mother of distraction, frustration, poor performance, and ultimate heartache" [2]. Players who miss their expectations start doubting themselves, lose confidence, and feel more anxious [35]. A negative pattern emerges—unrealistic, perfectionist expectations create lasting pressure that leads to burnout [2].
How to move focus to process
You can improve your approach with these steps:
Use performance cues instead of outcome expectations (like how hard you're working or keeping steady pace) [34]
Create process-based expectations you can control (staying focused, handling mistakes better) [37]
Set smaller process goals that help achieve desired results [38]
Spot and remove strict expectations that add pressure [35]
Soccer players know that peak performance needs them to switch mentally from their daily self to their competitive side.
What is athlete mindset
An athlete mindset shows up when players move from their regular life to a focused, performance-driven state of mind. This transformation changes how you handle information, deal with pressure, and use your skills. The mindset has sharp focus, emotional regulation, and stays in the present moment to block distractions [39].
Why it matters before games
Knowing how to switch into athlete mode makes exceptional players stand out from good ones [39]. Studies show that players who turn on this mindset before competing feel less anxious, focus better, and make smarter choices under pressure [40]. Players can channel their energy into performance instead of trying to block their emotions [40].
How to mentally switch roles
These strategies help you make the switch:
Build pre-game rituals that tell your brain it's game time
Use physical triggers (putting on uniform, stepping onto field)
Practice structured breathing to center yourself
Use positive self-talk as mental cues [8]
Pro athletes train their mindset like any other skill and with good reason too [39]. Your athlete identity helps you stay calm when things get tough during competitions [39].
Soccer players who practice tough situations ahead of time stay calm and collected during actual games. Match scenario rehearsal takes your mental preparation to the next level.
What is mental rehearsal
Soccer players use mental rehearsal to practice specific match situations before competition. These realistic game scenarios test decision-making, tactical understanding, and technical skills under pressure [9]. This goes beyond basic visualization - players focus on specific tactical challenges like overcoming a 1-0 deficit in the final minutes or adapting when a teammate gets sent off [41].
Why it builds confidence
Players gain confidence through consistent scenario practice in multiple ways. The safe training environment lets them experience competitive situations while working with teammates [9]. This helps players see how their training connects to actual matches [9]. The mental preparation technique strengthens their grasp of game flow, roles, and duties while testing their abilities under pressure [9]. Players develop a better sense of their position as game conditions change [41].
How to rehearse effectively
Players can make scenario rehearsal work by:
Picking situations that match their position
Taking time to plan strategy before starting
Practicing scenarios at full intensity
Using breaks to review and adjust their approach
Looking back at what succeeded and what needs work [9]
Athletes who prepare their minds before competition outperform those who simply react. The most successful players build their confidence well before they step onto the field.
What is proactive confidence
Players develop proactive confidence by building their self-belief before competition. This approach enables athletes to boost their confidence through systematic mental training, rather than waiting to feel confident on game day. Elite soccer players recognize that confidence requires consistent practice, just like physical skills.
Why it's better than reactive confidence
Reactive confidence shifts based on immediate results. Athletes who rely on reactive confidence struggle with unstable self-belief that changes between plays and games. Their doubts surface after mistakes, which prevents peak performance. The athletes who build proactive confidence maintain steady self-trust through challenges. They know temporary setbacks cannot shake their foundation.
How to develop it
These practical techniques help build proactive confidence:
Positive self-talk: Replace negative beliefs with alternatives that strengthen your mental foundation
Mental rehearsal: Success visualization creates achievement memories in your mind
Reflection journaling: Daily documentation of successes reinforces belief in your abilities
Average players wait for external validation. Champions create their confidence through daily practice.
Pre-game anxiety affects even the most talented soccer players quietly. It becomes their invisible opponent they need to beat before the actual competition begins.
What causes pre-game anxiety
Players face anxiety mainly because they fear failure. Athletes experience more stress at the time they deal with high expectations from coaches, parents, and fans [42]. Games played away from home create higher anxiety levels compared to home matches where players feel comfortable with familiar surroundings and supportive fans [43]. Young players worry about what their peers might think, while professionals struggle with the pressure to keep their performance standards high [44]. Athletes in individual sports feel more anxious than team players who share the responsibility [43].
Why it affects performance
Anxiety shows up through physical signs like a racing heart and sweating, along with mental responses such as fear and poor focus [43]. Soccer demands coordinated movements that become harder to execute with a tense body [43]. The more players worry, the worse their performance gets - showing a direct negative link between cognitive anxiety and game quality [7]. Physical anxiety can boost performance up to a certain point, but crossing your personal threshold hurts your game [7].
How to manage it effectively
Players can use mental preparation techniques like controlled breathing to calm their nervous system [45]. The best approach is to see anxiety as excitement instead of a threat during competition prep [43]. A fixed pre-game routine helps trigger competitive readiness [45]. Smart players see anxiety as a signal to prepare better rather than viewing it as an enemy [46]. Just like physical training, mental skills need daily practice - not just emergency fixes [46].
Focus is that invisible superpower that sets consistently excellent players apart from those who show flashes of brilliance now and then.
What is present-moment focus
Present-moment focus in soccer means your attention stays on the immediate action while you tune out distractions [47]. Players who master this skill engage with the task at hand without letting past mistakes or future outcomes cloud their judgment [48]. This mindful awareness helps players process what truly matters: the ball, their teammates' positions, and emerging opportunities.
Why it improves decision-making
A player with complete focus makes sharper decisions, reacts faster, and executes plays with precision [47]. Distractions can get pricey in vital moments through missed chances, mistakes, and poor judgment calls. Athletes who stay focused process the match information that matters and dismiss unproductive thoughts about earlier mistakes or possible outcomes [49].
How to stay in the moment
These mental preparation techniques will help maintain your focus:
Master mindful dribbling by giving your full attention to the ball [12]
Reset your concentration through controlled breathing during dead-ball situations [15]
Pick focus cues—simple phrases that anchor your mind [12]
Direct your attention from the score to winning individual battles and making smart passes [50]
Save your mental energy by staying off your phone 60-90 minutes before kickoff [50]
Soccer players at every level have their personal rituals, ranging from Wayne Rooney's bowl of Coco Pops to Neymar's pre-game calls with his father.
What are pre-game rituals
Players perform consistent, intentional actions before competing to get themselves mentally ready. These actions include physical routines, mental preparations, team traditions, and personal superstitions [51]. Elite players throughout soccer's history have developed their unique approaches. Ronaldo always steps onto the field with his right foot first, and Gareth Bale cuts holes in his socks to prevent calf compression [52]. Many players' rituals heavily rely on music. They create a listening bubble that helps them switch from everyday life into a competitive mindset [53].
Why they help mental preparation
Psychological anchors like rituals help players reach their peak performance zone consistently [51]. Music can regulate emotions and stimulate players while building shared meanings that strengthen team identity [53]. Studies show that listening to stimulative music before tasks promotes motivational imagery, increases psychomotor activation, and leads to more positive self-talk and flow [53]. Players often choose fast-tempo music to reach their optimal activation levels before matches [13]. Rituals give players a sense of comfort and control, which reduces anxiety and boosts confidence during crucial moments [52].
How to create your own ritual
These steps will help you create effective pre-game rituals:
Your optimal arousal level should guide your choices—high-energy players might need calming rituals while low-energy players benefit from stimulative music [54]
Choose music that resonates with your rhythm response, cultural background, and personal connections [13]
Your goals should drive your focus, not what you want to avoid [54]
Rituals need balance between flexibility and consistency—they shouldn't be so rigid that small changes disrupt your mental preparation [54]
Conclusion
Mental preparation is that hidden edge that sets great soccer players apart from the truly exceptional ones. In this piece, we've looked at fifteen powerful techniques that can change your pre-game mindset and lift your performance at crucial moments.
Soccer just needs both physical skill and mental strength. Time spent on visualization, meditation, positive self-talk, and other mental training pays off on the field. The world's top players know their mental game takes practice just like their technical skills.
Note that staying consistent is crucial. So, begin with one or two techniques in your routine before you build up your mental toolkit. You could start with box breathing or positive affirmations - these take little time but are a great way to get benefits.
On top of that, it helps to make these strategies your own. Some players thrive on visualization while others draw strength from pre-game rituals or music. Try different approaches until you find what clicks for you.
Players often overlook the mental side of soccer, yet it's what makes the difference when physical skills are equal. Yes, it is knowing how to stay focused, handle anxiety, and keep confident under pressure that makes champions stand out.
Without doubt, these mental skills take time to develop. All the same, the results make it worth the effort - better focus, less anxiety, sharper decisions, and steady performance.
You might be getting ready for a championship final or just want to enjoy the game more - these mental preparation techniques help you play your best whatever the pressure. Soccer starts in your head before it hits the field.
Put these strategies to work today and you'll see the difference in both how you play and how much you enjoy the beautiful game. This mental edge might become your strongest advantage on the field.
Key Takeaways on Mental Preparation Tips
Mental preparation is just as crucial as physical training for soccer success, with elite players dedicating significant time to developing their psychological edge before competition.
• Master visualization and breathing techniques - Practice detailed mental rehearsal of game scenarios and use box breathing (4-4-4-4 pattern) to manage pre-game anxiety and enhance focus.
• Develop consistent pre-game routines - Create structured mental rituals combining positive self-talk, goal setting, and mindfulness to transition from everyday mindset into competitive athlete mode.
• Focus on process over outcomes - Let go of rigid expectations about results and concentrate on controllable elements like effort, technique, and decision-making during matches.
• Build proactive confidence through daily practice - Strengthen self-belief through regular mental rehearsal, positive affirmations, and scenario planning rather than waiting for game-day motivation.
• Stay present-moment focused - Use mindfulness techniques and attention cues to maintain concentration on immediate tasks while filtering out distractions and pressure.
The most successful soccer players treat mental preparation as a trainable skill requiring consistent practice, not just crisis intervention. These techniques work best when integrated into regular training routines and personalized to match individual needs and playing styles.
References
[1] - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1750984X.2021.1944271[2] - https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/sport-between-the-ears/202312/how-expectations-can-lead-to-frustration-and-misery-in-sports[3] - https://blayze.io/blog/general/the-science-of-breathing-for-athletes[4] - https://imotions.com/blog/insights/research-insights/the-quiet-eye/?srsltid=AfmBOooahu-dAxP8COzPV1PGVxbzODCDbMaBmXP4XhjQIerWaXyQ3kxF[5] - https://www.bps.org.uk/research-digest/eye-movement-training-helps-penalty-takers-football-feel-more-control[6] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7429435/[7] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10298221/[8] - https://becomepowerful.com/the-importance-of-mental-preparation-for-the-soccer-season/[9] - https://learn.englandfootball.com/articles-and-resources/coaching/resources/2022/How-to-use-match-scenarios-in-training[10] - https://www.soccerpsychologytips.com/2013/proactive-reactive-confidence/[11] - https://www.successstartswithin.com/sports-psychology-articles/athlete-self-confidence/how-to-achieve-proactive-confidence/[12] - https://www.drpaulmccarthy.com/post/how-a-soccer-player-can-regain-focus[13] - https://www.cdaltonpsychology.com/blogrunning-thoughts/using-music-to-improve-performance[14] - https://www.beyourbest.com/insight/mental-preparation-for-soccer-players[15] - https://storelli.com/blogs/the-storelli-blog/mental-skills-in-soccer?srsltid=AfmBOoqAl84VwL5XwZKlCuhwrY23fQOyQ-yUfeh_IctUSy3tu6Gyo3JB[16] - https://expandyourgame.com/positive-self-talk-examples-in-soccer/[17] - https://coachdanielpt.com/positive-self-talk-in-soccer/[18] - https://www.drpaulmccarthy.com/post/building-confidence-through-sport-psychology-boost-your-mental-game-in-football[19] - https://plus.imgacademy.com/developmental-coaching/mental-performance/articles/positive-self-talk-athletes-benefits-examples[20] - https://coachdanielpt.com/what-is-the-quiet-eye-in-soccer/[21] - https://imotions.com/blog/insights/research-insights/the-quiet-eye/?srsltid=AfmBOopFaM9FY7gDVUqguhwFCRGsHDULvCH3JRZCN2SJksx0CbNquwhI[22] - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21318734/[23] - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1750984X.2022.2116723[24] - https://appliedsportpsych.org/resources/resources-for-athletes/principles-of-effective-goal-setting/[25] - https://anytime-soccer.com/4-steps-to-improving-your-soccer-skills-and-taking-your-game-to-the-next-level[26] - https://medium.com/@danny.matharu/setting-achievable-goals-for-developing-confident-grassroots-footballers-8243df15ad90[27] - https://www.skillsfc.org/goal-setting-for-youth-athletes-helping-your-child-set-and-achieve-realistic-goals-in-soccer/[28] - https://www.eforcesports.com/blog/a-simple-approach-to-goal-setting-smart-goals[29] - https://www.drpaulmccarthy.com/post/how-to-develop-a-match-day-script-for-soccer[30] - https://researchportal.port.ac.uk/files/3512202/An_exploration_of_pre_performance_routines.pdf[31] - https://trainwdukes.ca/developing-a-pre-game-routine-to-boost-confidence-and-focus/[32] - https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-blog/6-steps-pregame-mental-preparation/[33] - https://girlssoccernetwork.com/expand-your-game-gaining-an-edge-7/[34] - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/blog/avoiding-mental-sabotage-part-2-overcoming-strict-expectations/[35] - https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-blog/secret-mental-game-success/[36] - https://danabrahams.com/blog/2017/managing-expectations-soccer/[37] - https://www.successstartswithin.com/sports-psychology-articles/athlete-mental-training/resetting-expectations-the-key-to-playing-your-best/[38] - https://www.thedistancecollective.com/post/the-importance-of-focusing-on-process-over-outcome-in-sport[39] - https://accelerationaustralia.com.au/mental-game-of-soccer-performance/[40] - https://soccerinteraction.com/focus-football-before-the-match[41] - https://www.thefa.com/bootroom/resources/coaching/how-to-use-match-scenarios-in-your-session[42] - https://www.isspf.com/articles/mental-health-for-soccer-players/[43] - https://www.verywellmind.com/how-do-i-handle-performance-anxiety-as-an-athlete-3024337[44] - https://accelerate.sport/blog-post/the-causes-of-anxiety-in-sports-for-different-age-groups/[45] - https://ahead-app.com/blog/anxiety/5-pre-game-rituals-to-calm-anxiety-in-competitive-sports-like-the-pros[46] - https://soccerinteraction.com/competitive-anxiety-football-techniques[47] - https://thetitansfa.com/focusing-during-games-expert-strategies-for-footballers/[48] - https://www.ncsasports.org/blog/benefits-of-mindfulness-for-athletes[49] - https://www.socceredu.com/en-US/blog/mental-training-soccer[50] - https://idavalencia.com/how-to-stay-calm-and-focused-before-a-big-match/[51] - https://thementalgame.me/blog/the-role-of-pre-game-rituals-in-enhancing-athletic-performance[52] - https://buysoccercardsonline.com/blogs/blog-news/inspiring-pre-game-soccer-rituals?srsltid=AfmBOopGMmGjKaWAip71PF3TwfzXeQPbGvvgnkiAsW50b0RJ1gWCJCVL[53] - https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/articles/journal_contribution/A_Grounded_Theory_of_Music_Use_in_the_Psychological_Preparation_of_Academy_Soccer_Players/29769317/1/files/56799530.pdf[54] - https://plus.imgacademy.com/developmental-coaching/mental-performance/articles/power-pregame-routines-rituals-and-superstitions