It’s Game Day!

It’s finally time for game day! Here are some important tips for Players, Families, and Coaches to help make the most of it.

For Players

Drinking Water – being hydrated for the game starts the night before. Drink plenty of plain, simple water. Then make sure you have plenty (32-64 oz) of water with you at the game.
Sleep – getting a good night’s rest will improve your energy and focus for the game. 8-10 hours is recommended for peak performance.
Energy – eating a healthy breakfast or lunch 3 hours prior to the game is key to being fueled up and ready to go. Keep it simple and whole as much as possible. Chicken, eggs, whole grains, fruits, and nuts are great. Try to avoid, greasy or spicy foods. Pack a banana, energy bar, or some crackers for the game, in case you need a quick energy boost.
Gear – be sure everything you need for the game is packed up and ready to go. Shoes (cleaned,) guards, uniforms, etc should be ready by the door and not stressed over while trying to get going.
Mindset – have a positive mindset, regardless of how the last game or last practice went, be set for a good outcome. To keep you on track, should things get tough, have a mantra (phrase) or a physical routine (3 loud claps, 2 high jumps, etc) to remind you of your focus. Finally, the night before pick out three specific actions or decisions that you want to make during the game. Rehearse them in your head. Then repeat this on the car ride to the game.

For Families

Guide the Routine – assist your son or daughter with their pre-game prep but try not to run it. They need to take ownership and accountability for being prepared.
Pre Game Send Off – develop a hand shake, gesture, or phrase to set the tone before the game-“Work Hard, Be a Good Team mate, have Fun-I love you!”
Smile & Cheer – let the players play, the coaches coach, and the referee ref. All three are going to have good games and bad, but nothing you yell, or scream will make it any different. So just sit back and enjoy.
Enjoy the Car Ride – let your player guide the car ride home. If they want to talk about the game, then take their lead. If they don’t then that’s OK too.
Stop for Ice Cream – whether it is a win or a loss, unforgettable or forgettable, the routine should not change. Whether it’s grabbing a burger, seeing a movie, or stopping for ice cream, you should enjoy it either way!

Check out these additional links for more helpful tips:

A Pre Game Routine for Parents-US Soccer Learning Center
22 Things You Can Do Today To Be A Better Sports Parent – from I Love to Watch Your Play
6 Steps to Being a More Inspiring and Empowering Youth Soccer Parent – Soccer Parent Resource Center

For Coaches

Good Plan – prepare a lineup remembering to vary starters and positions frequently, especially for the younger age groups. Put together substitutions, positions and times, as well. Then have a Plan B and Plan C in case players are late, absent, not feeling well, etc. Write down 3 Key Objectives for the game based on prior practice themes. Develop Key Words or Phrases that can be used during the match for recall or focus with the players.
Familiar Warmup – establish a warmup that engages players in light physical, technical, and mental focus. Be sure to review it in the practices leading up to the first game so that players are familiar with it. May want to use it in last practice prior to each game as well. Have a plan for adapting warmup if there is limited space at the game field.
Positive Coaching – let the players on the ball play and make decisions (good and bad, right and wrong.) Guide and correct players or groups of players off the ball to organize, shape, and improve decisions and outcomes. Use your voice to energize and encourage, and don’t let your emotions distract the team or enflame the referee or parents.
Focused Half Time – use your 3 Keys to frame the review of 1^st half and direction for 2^nd half. Keep instructions short and simple
Short Post Game – Win or Lose, keep the post-game short (5-7 minutes top.) Quick review of 3 Game Keys/Objectives or some Highs/Lows, reminder of upcoming sessions, and then let them go. Most players (and families) are typically ready, or need, to head out.

Check out these additional links for more helpful tips: