Taking Charge in the Off-Season: Why Spring Training Matters
College soccer teams across the country are in one of the most crucial periods of the year: Spring Training. While the fall season may be the time for competitive matches and conference play, spring training offers a unique opportunity for athletes to refine their skills, build team chemistry, and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. For athletes seeking a starting spot or improved performance, spring training marks a crucial time to build a strong foundation.
Here are three ways we work with college athletes in our Leadership & Performance Program to embrace spring training and the opportunity it affords individuals and teams to elevate their game to the next level.
Performance Goals: Spring training is an ideal time for athletes to focus on their individual and team performance goals for the spring and upcoming season. Our athletes identify the performance standards they want to achieve. These standards reflect their vision: where they want to be technically, tactically, physically, and psychologically.
They measure their progress by developing a comprehensive plan and schedule including steps and target dates they will take to reach each of their performance goals. They chart their performance, measuring and monitoring their progress. This helps build a routine that leads to holding themselves accountable for their own progress. After each workout they record their performance in their journal noting what they were able to accomplish and perhaps what they need to focus on at the next practice. This goal-setting exercise helps athletes develop the resilience, focus and determination necessary to excel on the field.
Mental Preparation: Spring training also serves as a time to instill a competitive mindset and lay the mental groundwork needed for athletes to achieve their goals amidst the challenges ahead. It gives them time to train being mindful and staying mentally engaged by being self-aware. It provides moments to pause and focus on breathing, clearing the mind and being present. Mindfulness reduces stress, improves focus, and helps athletes sharpen their performance.
On the pitch athletes are constantly bombarded with instructions from coaches, parents, teammates, cheers from fans, and yes, their own inner voice. Athletes need to become aware of any negative self-talk patterns like doubting abilities, dwelling on mistakes or over-critiquing. Being conscious of their self-talk allows athletes to re-direct the script in their head to positive cues. Spring training is a prime time to work on developing effective self-talk techniques. Affirming belief in one’s abilities through self-talk establishes confidence and improves and maximizes performance. How you speak to yourself matters.
Building Team Chemistry and Cohesion: Spring training is not just about individual improvement; it's also about fostering strong bonds and camaraderie among teammates. Through team-building activities, group exercises, and competitive scrimmages against other teams, athletes have the opportunity to strengthen their relationships both on and off the field.
A cohesive team is better equipped to overcome adversity, communicate effectively, and support each other during high-pressure situations. In our programs I work with teams in cultivating a positive team culture, and fostering a sense of unity during spring training. This lays the foundation for success in the upcoming season.
Spring training is a critical period for college athletes and teams to sharpen their skills, refine their tactics, build team chemistry, and prepare both physically and mentally for the demands of the upcoming season. By embracing the opportunities afforded by spring training, college soccer athletes and teams can position themselves not only for success but also for greatness on the pitch.
