Preparing for the Soccer Season Start
In US youth soccer there is no one start date for everyone’s soccer season. Still, any clubs in North Carolina affiliated with the US Development Academy are getting back underway this month. So, how do you prepare for your soccer season start? Whether you’re a returning player or a new one, this article will provide you with some helpful advice.
The first important step is to prepare physically. Queen City Mutiny players had some time away from training with our club, but many of them continued with agility and strength training, small-sided tournaments, and futsal. Nevertheless, all of these are different experiences than the club play that you’ll be experiencing with QCM. Getting into game shape as far as your fitness, and regaining confident ball control and sharpshooter passes and shots is crucial.
Part of your preparation ought to be mental as well. Get ready to commit once more to:
Giving your all in 90-minute training sessions multiple nights a week
Finding the ways you can help your team on and off the pitch
Preparing for the weekends of travel and playing many games in a day
Getting your homework done so school isn’t a distraction
Listening to and respecting your coaches
Finding helpful ways to manage negative self-talk and tune out pressure from others around you
Eating healthy foods and getting good rest
You might also set an intention for this year:
Is there a technical or tactical skill you’d like to focus on developing?
Do you want to become a team leader?
Are you going to work on better communication with the other players on your team?
Is there a particular position you want to learn more about?
Will you work on stronger shooting?
Can you focus on strengthening your weaker foot?
Should you make a commitment to yourself that you won’t be derailed by a perceived failure and this year will make a conscious effort to learn from your mistakes?
More Ways to Prep for Soccer Season Start
Those were the broader things to think about as you prepare for your soccer season to start. In getting ready for a new soccer season, there are practical considerations too.
Get your gear ready. Make sure that everything fits! You’re a growing athlete. So, it’s important that you take the time to check all of your equipment out in advance. Do you actually know where both shin guards are? Are your toes threatening to poke out of your cleats? Is your jersey going to look like a skintight Ariana Grande concert outfit this Spring?
Go to the doctor. It can be useful to go and see your primary doctor for a sports physical before the season gets underway. Those who wear glasses could get an eye doctor appointment to confirm that their prescription is up-to-date.
Get a concussion baseline test done. QCM makes sure that DA players get this testing done before they begin in the Academy. According to the CDC, baseline tests “assess an athlete’s balance and brain function (including learning and memory skills, ability to pay attention or concentrate, and how quickly he or she thinks and solve problems), as well as for the presence of any concussion symptoms.” The results can be used for comparison to similar exams when a concussion is suspected. These are typically only offered to athletes over the age of 10.
Learn any new rules. The soccer federation, FIFA, made some changes for the 2019-20 season:
During a goal kick, players can now play the ball within the boundaries of the box on the goal kick.
You’ll be subbing out at the nearest point instead of going to the halfway line.
If you’re on the attacking team, you can’t stand in the defending team’s wall (if a keeper lines up three or more players in the wall).
And that’s only the beginning of the changes. Free kicks and handballs are going to be called a little differently too.
Ready Yourself for Success
Change can be hard. But change can be good. Over the off-season you’ve had the chance to recharge. Maybe you’ve grown taller or stronger. Perhaps you’ve cultivated a new skill or technique. You may be able to surprise coaches and teammates with the new attitude you bring to the pitch this soccer season.
One thing is for certain: Your Mutiny coaches are ready to get this season started. We look forward to seeing you out there!
