Ideal Performance State II - Soccer

Today we will discover the ideal performance state (IPS) for soccer players. The IPS is the mental, emotional and physical condition at game time which allows a player to perform at their peak.

Each player has a different IPS and it is up to the coach to work with the players to a)find out the player's IPS and b)help the player create it before the game.

The tool we use is the IPS Evaluation sheet (click on link below). First you ask the player to reflect on past experience. Fill out section A. This will help the player remember any special thoughts, feelings, pre-game activities or special events around the best game they ever played.

Then ask the player to fill out section B for at lease 3 games, ideally 5 games. The answers in the evaluation chart will give coach and player a definition of which emotional, mental and physical state gets a player to perform best.

In conjunction with the answers to part A, develop a specific pre-game routine for each player that creates the IPS. It is important to build the individual pre-game routine into the pre-game preparation for the team. Creativity here is the key.

Ideal Performance State Evaluation Sheet

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Soccer Fitness - Active Rest

It pains me to see soccer practices where players sit down after sprinting exercises or aerobically demanding drills. The same way it pains me to see players sit on the bench after they come off the field during substitutions, half-time or at the end of the game. I have even witnessed entire teams sitting down on the field when a player gets injured and is being tended to.

The practice of coming to a complete rest after strenuous exercise is very dangerous to anyone's health. The heart is pumping at elevated speeds from the stress and then the body stops. Blood is still being pumped at high speed to muscles delivering oxygen, except the muscles aren't moving anymore. That is a precarious imbalance.

That is why the concept of active rest was developed. It calls for a tapering down of the heart rate after it has been elevated. Instead of elaborating on theory, I'd like to give some practical suggestions.

Practice

After elevated heart training such as sprints or high speed drills, have the players work with a ball at walking pace. They can walk it on their own or pass it back and forth with a team mate.

When the team takes a (water) break, don't let them sit down, keep them moving for at least a couple of minutes. If the break extends, then they can sit.

Game

Players on the field need to keep moving. If there is a break in the action, they can walk around (even to the coach for some advice) or do some stretching exercises.

Allow the team coming off the field at half time a few minutes to walk and stretch before you sit them down for the half time talk. Same idea about drinking - have them drink and walk.

After the game, we recommend a slight cool down jog followed by a complete set of stretching exercises before the post game meeting/talk.

It is equally important to loosen up and stretch before going into action. So players on the bench being substituted in need to move, warm-up and stretch before they get on the field.

Our Practice Books And Resources

Kids Soccer Practices

Youth Soccer Practices

Competitive Soccer Practices

Soccer Goalie Practices

Soccer Systems Of Play

Indoor Soccer Practices

Soccer Fitness Training

Soccer Skills Training