20 Attributes That Make a Good College Soccer Player
College soccer is a high level of the game and one that millions of youth soccer players throughout the USA aspire to reach. Here we give you 20 things you will need to make an impact at the college level.
- Coachability – Many players like to believe at 18 they have learned enough about the game to debate every coaching decision. There are many different ways to play the game, but if you want to success as a college player you must commit to playing your role in whatever system your team chooses.
- Enthusiasm – You should pour all your enthusiasm and effort into all you do to separate yourself as a college player. Whether it be practice on the field or classroom video study, show your coach you are willing to do all that is needed to prepare properly.
- Lifestyle – While the typical student can spend their spare time as they like, if you want to be taken seriously as an athlete you should lead an appropriate social life.
- Work Ethic – You will practice on an almost daily basis as a college soccer player. To reach your full potential you should put as much time in as you can. Perform an extra 30 minutes of technical practice before or after a training session. Ask your coach what areas you need to work on and devote extra time to them.
- Fitness – Devote time year round to your speed, strength and fitness. If you believe you can arrive in August and gain fitness for the season you are kidding yourself. You should perform strength and fitness training year round to be at your best as a college soccer player. On teams where every player is technically able, fitness can often decide who gets playing time.
- Academics – To succeed in college soccer you must perform up to standard in the classroom. Poor grades they can not only affect your eligibility to play, they can send a message to your coach about your ability to manage time, focus on tasks and solve problems.
- Communicate – Let your coach know of what you need to perform well or any problems you have. If you perform poorly and do not communicate, it will be assumed you are playing to your ability.
- Be a teammate – Isolating yourself from a group will not help you in college soccer. Make friends with your teammates and spend time with your team away from the field.
- Play your role – The excitement of game day can lead to a desire to chase down every ball and score to help your team. However, it is important to perform the specific tactical role your team asks of you.
- Be an ambassador – Wherever you are on campus or when travelling, you are representing your school and your team. Behave in a mature and respectful manner that showcases your team in a positive light.
- Listen – Whatever your coach works on in practice you should commit to and learn. No matter how well you play with the ball at your feet, you will not succeed in college soccer unless you know what your coach is asking you to do. This can differ from game to game.
- Help others – You will not have a successful college career on your own, and you need your teammates to perform well to achieve your goals. Talk to your teammates if they are feeling down or help them study video if they need tactical advice.
- Show humility – Your personal agenda and playing time is not the primary focus of a college coach and should never be. Whether you play as much as you want or not, submit to the fact that the success of the team is the end goal for everyone.
- Buy in to the program – A common error many college players make if they do not succeed immediately is to make excuses. You may have succeeded at youth level or high school, but if you harp on that during the college season you are not facing up to the reality of the improvements you must make to succeed at college level.
- Show off-season initiative – NCAA rules prevent year round training, but if you want to work on your game you can organize pick-up games with your team or enter local adult league’s away from the college.
- Speak up – You know the rules of your program, and if you see teammates not doing what is required have the courage to speak up about it. This will increase your chances of achieving success.
- Help the team – Ask your coach if there is anything you can do to help the program. Organizing team social or fund raising events can help your program.
- Focus – The ability to keep a clear had and focus on the task at hand whether in practice or the heat of a game will help you succeed.
- Fuel – What you eat will have a direct impact on your athletic performance. Eat a diet that is high in carbohydrate and protein, and low in fat.
- Hydration – Drink a minimum of 2 liters of water per day. On the day of a game or practice, you should hydrate with water or a sports drink before, during and after you play.
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