Why do you play soccer?

Athletic Footwear Association Survey of over 20,000 players nation-wide asked, “Why they participate in sports.”

1. To have fun
2. To improve their skills
3. To stay in shape
4. To do something they are good at
5. The excitement of the competition
6. To get exercise
7. To play as part of a team
8. The challenge of the competition
9. To learn new skills
10. To win

A UCLA Sports Psychology Lab survey found similar results.

When we are young, having fun is the leading motivation to play soccer. As we grow older some may lose sight of what they love about the game and get sucked into the challenge of competition and the results of the game. However focusing on the results and things out of control can distract players from playing at their best.

If you are having a difficult time having fun while playing soccer, below are some strategies that may help:

• Focus on more than just winning
  Take a look at the list above, winning isn’t everything in soccer. Soccer offers the opportunity to create friendships with teammates and fun memories. It also allows you to cultivate skills that can benefit you as you grow older.
• Use mental imagery
  Mental imagery is simply seeing yourself perform as you desire to play. Think back to a time when you had a lot of fun while playing soccer, when you were playing good and focus on that memory.
• Use affirmations
  Affirmations used positively are words of encouragement that work as cues for the mind to direct your attention and mindset. Repeating words such as relax, play hard and have fun, will remind you to focus on what you need to. If you are focused on your cue words, your body will follow.