How to Not Be Nervous Before a Soccer Game: 17 Proven Tips
As a soccer player, it’s normal to feel nervous before a game because it means you care. However, you have to learn how to get rid of those nerves once the game starts. The key is learning to turn that nervous energy into focused excitement that improves your performance instead of limiting it.
In soccer player development, there are seven key areas: talent, game IQ, mindset, athleticism, fitness, recovery, and discipline. Getting rid of those pre-game nerves starts with addressing the mindset and preparation pieces of the puzzle so your body and mind feel ready, grounded, and confident when the game begins.
As an amateur soccer player, coach, and sports coordinator, I’ve seen countless talented players underperform simply because they can’t manage pre-game nerves. That’s why in this guide, you’ll learn simple, effective tips and ways to calm your nerves, build a positive mindset, and step onto the field ready to perform at your highest level.
If you’re interested in taking your training to the next level with a structured program, you can reach out to me or learn more here.
How do you Overcome Pre-Game Nerves in an Upcoming Game?
There are many ways to help you better manage pre-game nerves, but the most important thing is, by far, prioritizing your preparation on and off the field for the day, weeks, months, and even years leading up to that specific day. The truth is, no secret last-minute effort, meal, drill, video, or ritual can replace the confidence that comes from consistent training, injury-prevention work, and proper recovery, which includes sleep, nutrition, hydration, EMF exposure, and mitochondrial function.
That said, there are practical techniques you can add to your routine right now. These tips become way more useful if you practice them consistently over a long period of time.
- Replace your negative mindset with a growth mindset
- Have confidence in your talent and hard work
- Develop a real passion for the game
- Forget about past losses, stay calm, and focus on the present moment
- Remember your goals for the season
- Develop a pre-game routine
- Perform breath work and breathing exercises
- Use different sports psychology techniques before the game
- Visualize your success
- Listen to music, a podcast, or an interview with your favorite players
- Read a book
- Go on a long barefoot walk in nature
- See the sunrise and sunset daily
- Hang out with your teammates, friends, or family members
- Talk with someone special to you outside of the club
- Focus on what you can control
- Think of the nerves as excitement
- Pray to a higher power for positive energy
- Remember to have fun and enjoy the beautiful game
Final Thoughts
Feeling nervous before a soccer game is completely normal, but staying nervous once the game starts can hurt your performance, so it’s important to understand how to manage or reduce those nerves. Pre-game nerves can cause tense muscles, excessive sweating, and negative self-talk, but techniques like breathing exercises, visualization, and a solid pre-game routine can help calm them.
By preparing properly and following the tips on this list, you can overcome performance anxiety and get back to enjoying playing the beautiful game.
FAQs
What should I do 2 hours before a soccer game?
Two hours before a soccer game, focus on the preparation techniques mentioned in this guide, like developing your pre-game routine, performing breathing exercises, and engaging in calming activities such as listening to music or visualizing success. Use this time to replace negative thoughts with a growth mindset and focus on what you can control rather than worrying about the outcome.
What is the best way to stay consistent with mindset training in soccer?
The best way to stay consistent with mindset training in soccer is to build simple habits like journaling, visualization, and positive self-talk. Players can also use tools such as a soccer training journal, a performance tracker, a mental training book, and other mental training tools for soccer players to help make their mindset work more structured, consistent, and measurable.
What gear and equipment are needed to improve my soccer skills?
The best thing about soccer is that you don’t need much equipment or accessories to start playing and improving. All you really need is a soccer ball, but the more seriously you want to play, the more gear you will need, such as soccer cleats, shin guards, grip socks, shorts, and shirts, and soccer equipment, such as cones, rebounders, ball pumps, soccer bags, etc.
