WHAT:
WHY:
EMOTIONAL REGULATION
Emotional regulation is a mental skill where a player can identify and control their emotional arousal levels that are most conducive to peak performance. Each player has their own optimal arousal-related emotions. The person-by-situation interaction determines the necessary level of emotional regulation
HOW:( 1)“ What If” Scenarios and( 2) Timed Simulations
Ideally, coaches want players to be calm under pressure and composed on the ball. If coaches start this messaging when players are young, they are more likely to grow into poised players when they are older. Develop players to be cognitively ready to make decisions and problem solve under post-season pressure. By rehearsing scenarios and conducting simulations, teams can improve their emotional regulation skills.
“ WHAT IF” SCENARIOS: Create scenarios in training where your team is ahead, tied, or behind. Review the coaching adjustments that you’ re likely to make in each of those situations. Coaches are encouraged to script out formation changes, personnel moves, and tactical adjustments –- and how the changes will be conveyed to players. In training, prepare players for how their role may change and what will be asked of them. Specifically rehearse the tactics that will be implemented in each scenario. As former United Soccer Coaches staff member Gary Cook often reiterated in our courses,“ Don’ t ask players to do something in a game that you’ ve never asked them to do in training.” Give players a chance to prepare.
TIMED SIMULATIONS: To further the opportunity to mentally prepare under pressure, use timed simulations. Rehearse the“ what if” scenarios under time restraints. Specifically, teach players how to manage the clock and maintain possession or attack more directly when needed. Give players the opportunity to figure out situations together and quickly implement real-time solutions. Reinforce the importance of composure under pressure. Allow players to fail and feel frustrated. Then help players learn to respond instead of react. Using emotional control skills, players can purposefully respond instead of impulsively react. Create time-bound, intense training situations for players to practice regulating their emotions and playing with confidence. Throw in bad calls, unequal numbers, and other interruptions to generate some emotions. Have players help each other stay composed and play with purpose until the time expires.
IN SUMMARY There are countless approaches to preparing for the post-season. Every team has different needs, every coach has a different style-- and every playoff tournament has its own traditions. Coaches are encouraged to review the list of mental skills presented and select the activities which will best prepare their teams. In the“ To Learn More” section, coaches are directed to past Soccer Journal issues with additional strategies. With a lot of preparation and a little bit of luck, your team can have an incredible post-season!
FUTURE GOOD HABITS Look forward to future installments of“ The Mental” based on the current trends and needs of competitive soccer players in our rapidly changing athletic environment. Expect a research-to-practice approach with ready-to-use strategies that can be easily modified for a variety of ages and abilities. Together we will # buildgoodhabitsovertime. n
Dr. Lynn Pantuosco-Hensch is a professor at Westfield State University and sport psychology consultant.
Contact her at lynnpantuoscohensch @ gmail. com, read her blog at https:// www. lynnpantuoscohensch. com or follow her on Instagram @ lynnpantuoscohensch.
TO LEARN MORE:
2020 July / August Issue 2020 September / October Issue 2023 June Bulletin 2024 Fall Issue
50 | Soccer Journal