The average person has about 60,000 thoughts a day. How many of those are positive or helpful would you say?

Think of the last time you were on the football fields at Regents. What were your thoughts when you miscontrolled the ball? What about when you missed a shot you could have scored? Or what about when your team went 2-0 down?

Chances are, you may have had negative thoughts. Maybe some self-doubt, embarrassment, or feeling a lack of confidence.

When on the field, we need to implement positive thoughts, or a Growth Mindset. A Growth Mindset is having positive thoughts such as:

‘We are 1-0 down, but I’m confident we can fight our way back’.

‘I miscontrolled the ball, but I will ask for it again because I know next time I can receive it, do a great skill, then score’.

It’s important we can implement a Growth Mindset when playing football. What we think influences how we play on the field.

If we can generate positive thoughts about ourselves as footballers, we can build on our confidence, and confidence makes all the difference when playing football.

Ask yourself, how can I have more positive thoughts when playing football? Try to think of 3!

 

After this, think about your team. Do you know anybody on your team who is lacking confidence? Or gets upset when they concede a goal, or don’t play as well as they want to?

Think of some ways in which you can give some positive feedback to lift your teammates and inspire them with confidence.