Salvo Soccer Tips: Visualisation Techniques for Game Day

What if there was a way to improve your soccer game without actually playing? You’d be interested, right? 

Regularly incorporating visualization into your life, particularly for soccer, has many benefits. Visualization can improve your game and mental focus. It can also help enhance your performance before a game by forcing you to focus on success rather than failure. 

At Salvo Soccer Club, we love providing tips on improving your soccer game, and this is one of our favorites. It’s easy to do and costs nothing! Combined with regular practice, conditioning, and skill development, visualization can have a huge impact on your game. 

Let’s look at how to visualize success in soccer games to improve your soccer performance. 

What is Visualization for Soccer?

Visualization is the practice of using your imagination to picture yourself succeeding at whatever you’re trying to do. It dates back to ancient China and the days of the Roman Empire when people used it to help achieve their goals. Many athletes have been doing this for years, so you're in good company. 

Former Manchester United footballer and manager of the EFL Championship club Plymouth Argyle Wayne Rooney has used visualization techniques since he was young. He would imagine game patterns and goalscoring situations, which enhanced his performance. He would lie in bed, imagine himself wearing his uniform, and visualize himself scoring goals. This helped him prepare for game situations because he would already know how to respond. 

Advantages of Visualization for Soccer Players

Visualization is an easy, free, and painless way to improve your soccer game. There are several advantages to this technique, which include: 

• You can do it anywhere at any time.

• In addition to practice, it can improve your game without wear and tear on your body.

• You can create any situation in your mind and imagine how you would respond. 

How to Use Visualization in Soccer

While visualization takes practice, just like any skill, it’s a great way to get yourself in the right headspace to tackle a soccer game. Just think of it as mentally rehearsing your game. Let’s look at how you can do it yourself!

Start the Night Before the Game

Professional soccer player Alex Morgan always visualizes before the game to prepare. She has made it part of her daily routine. 

Imagine how you'll handle the game starting the night before, even while lying in bed before sleeping. Picture yourself scoring goals, blocking shots, or kicking the ball. Imagine dodging players while dribbling or making a spectacular pass to your teammate. As you drift off to sleep, imagine your successes and winning the game.

Focus on an Image

If you’re unsure where to start, just picture the soccer ball sitting on the ground. Next, picture yourself kicking it or dribbling it. Imagine how it feels for your foot to connect with the ball, the slight vibration in your leg from the power behind the kick, and watch it fly high in the sky and land far away. 

Now run toward the ball and kick it again. You know how you feel when you run, so imagine your body is doing that now. If you can, listen to the sounds of cheering from the sidelines, your fans and teammates rooting for you as you dribble the ball up and score a goal. 

Visualization doesn’t have to be complex. Whatever you need to feel successful will work. Picturing the outcome in your mind will help you achieve it. 

Focus on Success

When visualizing, always focus on success. Don't use negative self-talk, even if you’re a bit nervous about the upcoming game. Avoid saying, “I can’t beat this team” or “I can’t score a goal.” Neither of these things will help. 

Focus on the positive outcomes of the game and what you can achieve. Positive self-talk takes practice, but you’ll notice a huge difference in your soccer game and life once you look at the bright side. 

Positive Affirmation Visuals

In the same vein as focusing on success, imagine yourself doing positive things. You can do this by replaying successes, such as a previous game where you performed well. Relive that game and imagine all the great things you did. 

You can also imagine yourself overcoming challenges, such as outmaneuvering a tough defender or staying composed under pressure.

And always picture your team winning!

Reach Your Soccer Dreams With Salvo Soccer Club

If you are ready to train hard, play in national soccer competitions, and create a dream soccer career, check out Salvo Soccer Club. We’re a premier soccer club in the West St. Paul area, serving Woodbury, Mendota Heights, and Rosemount. Our techniques are rooted in success, and every player we have will have a fulfilling experience. 

For children and teens looking to expand their soccer career, contact Salvo SC. You can join on our website or call us at 612-503-4738.