Saturday, September 3, 2016

Mental Game

All coaches and athletes understand the importance of training the mental aspect of performance. The mind can have a positive OR negative influence how athletes perform....

The Olathe East Men's Varsity Soccer team played Park Hill South (PHS). Hawks didn't start the game very well on this beautiful Saturday morning. Panthers controlled the ball, were well organized on the field. We didn't have to wait too long for them to score. After a nice combination of play, they are leading the score board.

Athletes look at their coaches as models of thinking and behavior. I don't know what happened but the Panthers lost it! Like we say in French "ils ont disjonctés" - Hawks started to play together and controlled the ball. Panthers were just trying to play the man! As result, Shane got fouled just around the 18 yards. Shane took the free kick and scored! I pass the fact that the referee was handing yellow cards out like candy and PHS seemed to grow more frustrated as the half continued.

Half time 1 - 1


OE brought that momentum in to the second half with several early offensive opportunities, corners, and shots. Hawks dominated the game. Their efforts paid off around 13 minutes in to the second half, when Carson served a beautiful free kick in to PHS box. Julien timed his jump perfectly, going straight up and getting his head on the ball, sending the ball to the net. 2 -1! Now it is an ugly battle. 

The idea that all the athletes should be tough is an irony. Soccer is all about skills and movements. The coach can direct the athletes to image the competitive environment and their "game plans" as the team prepares for upcoming events. Panther's coach has a lot of work to do!!!

Hawks proved that they play as team. 




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