Soccer problem... good skills but lack confidence??

Question

so, not to brag, but i'm a really good soccer player (last year I was one of two freshman who made it on the varsity team and plays in games etc etc) but i don't have tons of experience and towards the end of last season i was becoming less confident. like, i found myself actually not wanting to get the ball because i was scared i would s***w up.

i feel like the only thing holding me back now is my confidence level. i've been practicing all summer for soccer this year and i really think i play well, but i NEED to become more confident. it's what my coach says too.

so... how can i become more confident when i'm playing? it's not that i don't think i'm good, it's more like i'm scared i'll mess up. it's funny, because i'm normally a really confident person. maybe it's because i'm one of the youngest on the team?

anyways, how can i gain more confidence about my soccer playing?

Answer 1

the only advice i can give you is to clear your mind and give it your all. as you do good, you'll gain confidence

Answer 2

You need to remember all the time you have put into training.

You should focus on helping the team ... not messing up.

Since you are very good (so you say) then go out there and prove it.

Answer 3

damm i had the same freaken problem but we'll overcome that im sure

Answer 4

Remember that you are good.  Making varsity as a freshman is no small feat.  A little arrogance can be a good thing for your performance.

Call for the ball often.  The more you have of the ball, the more comfortable you will be with it.

Be aggressive.  The harder you go for the ball, the more uneasy your opponents will be, and soon they will be the ones who are shying away from the ball.

Show off occasionally.  A nutmeg here and a foundation there can really up your confidence level.  Learn a few tricks to show off on the sidelines.  Stalling the ball on the back of your neck is something that isn't the hardest thing to learn, but it always drew a lot of oohs and awws for me, boosting my confidence level.

Plan ahead.  Know what you are going to do and where you want to go with the ball before you get it.  Having a plan will make things easier and take pressure off you upon receiving the ball.

I was in your same boat a few years ago.  Youngest on the varsity squad, (also the smallest) and having confidence issues.  Remember that you belong where you are and a lot of players would give a lot to have your skills.  Use them.