Stop Overthinking Wins and Losses: Mental Resilience Tips for Soccer Players

Be honest. Have you ever watched your favorite MLS & NWSL team’s first game of the season and thought “If they win, they're set to make a run deep in the playoffs. If they lose, their season will be a disappointment.” Of course! Fans, you’re not alone. Players can get stuck in this type of thinking too.

How can players steer their minds away from thinking each win or loss will make or break their entire season? By consistently focusing on and performing their, and their team’s, specific actions needed to grow and improve. A game result doesn’t determine long-term success, committing to the process does. 

When you and your team play well, focus on why. Identify the specific actions you and your team executed (i.e., mental, physical, technical and tactical training) that put you in a better position to perform well. When you and your team don't play well, understand why. Did you or your team not invest as much focus and energy in your training (i.e., mental, physical, technical and tactical) leading up to the game? Or, was your poor performance due to a new type of challenge from your opponent that you struggled with? Setbacks can be great opportunities to learn where and how you, and your team, need to improve.

Remember, players and teams that continuously challenge themselves to grow and improve throughout the season, regardless of wins or losses, will be more likely to reach their goals than those that overly focus on outcomes and results.    

👉 Ready to train your mind like you train your body? Our online Soccer Resilience courses give you the tools to build confidence, bounce back from setbacks, and perform your best — no matter the score.

Start your mental training today and take control of your game.

➡️ Check out our Player Courses now!

“Don’t let a win go to your head or a loss to your heart.” - Vince Lombardi

Did you know that our brains are hardwired to overly focus on outcomes? Why? This is our brain’s attempt to protect us from unexpected danger. However, thinking about outcomes increases our stress because we can’t control outcomes. 

Instead, steer your mind toward the process of growing and improving by writing, saying out loud or thinking three times, “Let’s grow today!” Then think of one way you will grow from the challenge you’re facing. This lowers stress and increases motivation.