This is quite simple. If you don’t like running, don’t play soccer. Wait.  Smarter Soccer is about game intelligence, why are we talking about running? Because learning to love running is mental, not physical. In the course of years working with youth soccer players, I’m always taken back when a player states, “I don’t like to run.”

All right, if you don’t want to run, but still want to play soccer, you can try and play goalie, however, you’ll still have to run. Not as much. But you still need to run and you’ll end up doing a lot of running when you train with your teammates, especially if you’re on a quality team. For this reason, if you don’t want to run, soccer may not be the sport for you. Consider bowling.

Movement is everything in soccer. This doesn’t mean you have to run around like a directionless maniac, it’s that your movement influences the game in more ways than you can imagine. Understanding this concept is real soccer intelligence. For example, comprehending that as a striker you can pull defenders out of position simply by your movement to open up space for your teammates is crucial intelligence that can mean the difference between winning and losing.

Prospective coaches during tryouts, and more importantly scouts, if you’re looking to play in college, observe how you move on the field. This isn’t just about positioning, which is of course important, it’s about how, when and where you move on the field. And by movement, I don’t mean walking or meandering around the field like you’ve got better things to do. I mean movement with purpose, which is running, and often sprinting. So, if you don’t want to run, don’t play soccer. Consider golf. If you embrace that you’ll be doing a lot of running in the game, then it will be something that you’ll look forward to and not dread. Now take that to the next level, if you embrace the running wholeheartedly, then you’ll begin dedicating a portion of your personal training to improving your endurance. And in soccer, endurance is everything.

This is important for two reasons. First, if you’re in great shape and embrace the running in soccer, you’ll never think about your fitness during the game. You’ll focus your attention on making that extra run, or tracking back to help your defense, or whatever else you need to play better, not dwelling on how tired you are. Second, Great Players Never Get Tired. We’ve discussed this vital concept in The One Thing You Need To Do Before You Start Your Soccer Preseason, but it’s important to repeat. Ever notice how at the end of close games, it’s often the strongest and fittest players who decide the outcome? Now how about the opposite? The average players who are exhausted and don’t have the endurance to perform when their team needs them the most? Not only have they failed themselves, but they have failed their team. You must become the player that loves to run. Running may be physical, but learning to love running is mental. If you love to play soccer and want to get better, but despise running, you’ll need extreme discipline to overcome this attitude. Former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Mike Tyson, discussed his definition of discipline in a recent interview: “Discipline is doing something that you hate to do, but doing it like you love it.” If you embrace the running part of soccer, and continue to work on your endurance, I promise, you’ll witness incredible improvement in your gameplay. Understanding and accepting this makes you smarter. But again…if you don’t want to run, consider another sport…like archery.

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Change The Way You Look At Things, And Those Things Will Change…

Your Perception Becomes Your Reality

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“Change the way you look at things, and those things will change” embodies both philosophical and practical wisdom. Philosophically, it reflects the idea that our perceptions shape our reality. By altering our perspective, we can transform even our most negative experiences. In terms of soccer, this concept aligns with the importance of mindset and perspective in achieving success. Players who adopt a positive and strategic outlook are more likely to overcome challenges and adapt to changing situations on the field. It emphasizes the power of mental attitude, cultivating a growth mindset and the influence it can have on the outcome of a game. Athletes who approach challenges with a mindset geared towards learning and improvement are more likely to adapt, overcome setbacks, and ultimately achieve success. Consider the prospect of your soccer team facing a tough opponent. Changing your mindset to see the game as an opportunity for growth and learning, rather than an insurmountable challenge, can have a profound impact. This shift in perspective can boost morale, enhance teamwork, and influence the outcome of the game. Same goes for learning to love running, or another aspect of soccer that you may not enjoy. Here are some strategies:

Reframe the Narrative:

Reconsider the way you perceive running in soccer. Instead of viewing it as a tedious chore, emphasize the positive aspects, such as improved endurance, increased speed, and enhanced overall fitness. Frame running as a skill that contributes to your success on the soccer field rather than something you hate to do.

Set Incremental Goals:

Break down the running process into smaller, achievable goals. This could involve gradually increasing the distance or setting specific time targets. By accomplishing smaller milestones, you can build a sense of achievement and a more positive association with running.

Visualize Success:

Introduce visualization techniques. For example, imagine yourself excelling in soccer with running playing a crucial role in your success. Visualization can create a positive mental image and make the activity more appealing by connecting it to the broader context of their soccer performance.

Positive Self-Talk:

Teach yourself to monitor and adjust your internal dialogue. Instead of focusing on negative thoughts about running, encourage positive affirmations. “I never get tired.” — “I can run all day.”

Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results:

Shift the focus from the outcome (distance covered or time taken) to the effort put forth. Celebrate the commitment and hard work, reinforcing a positive connection between your training effort and personal satisfaction. ★ Smarter.Soccer Insight: Change The Way You Look At Things, And Those Things Will Change. doesn’t just apply to running or soccer — it applies to everything in life.

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Soccer Is Running

Soccer Is Running