August 6, 2024: Soccer players, I’m going to challenge you here to think about something with a completely different perspective:
What if, the next time you don’t start, you took a totally new approach to your job that game? What if you started thinking about yourself as a GAME-CHANGER, not a SUB? 🧐🔥🤩
Because here's the truth, you don't have to be a starter to make a difference.
First off, this is not just a cheesy, ‘be-more-positive’ kinda thing. THIS IS REAL.It’s a REAL a thing (being a game-changer), and it’s actually a massively important role. We see it ALL THE TIME in professional soccer.
The role of game-changer (or as we sometimes hear it called, super-sub) is to level up the energy and bring the intensity 💪🏽 The role is to shake up the attack 🚨 The role is to strengthen up the defense ❌ The role is to lead 🫶🏾 The role is to MAKE A DIFFERENCE 🔥⚽️
A recent example of this was in the USWNT’s 2nd Olympic group stage game vs Germany. Lynn Williams (someone who pretty much never starts for the National team) came off the bench and made a huge difference. Germany was hitting hard and getting very close to making it a 3-2 game, but Lynn came off the bench and closed the game out by upping the energy and putting one away and essentially closing out the game. That CHANGED THE MOMENTUM of the game because let me tell you, a 4-1 game is very different than the 3-2 game it was about to be.
Lynn Williams does stuff like this A LOT because she fully understands her role on the USWNT and EMBRACES IT. She doesn’t see herself as just a sub (if she did, she wouldn’t be able to maximize her impact when she hits the field). She KNOWS that her ‘super-sub’ role is important and that she can absolutely contribute, regardless of what minutes she gets.
She also knows that just because she’s not starting doesn’t mean she’s not good (I mean, she’s the leading all time goal scorer in the NWSL, she’s definitely a VERY GOOD player). She knows that her role with this group is just different than with her club team, and because she embraces the game-changer mindset, she literally BECOMES a game-changer.
So, back to you. Next time you are on the bench at the beginning of a game, rethink your situation (you have the power to do this, you are the only one in charge of making this decision). Your role is no longer a sub going into a match to replace a starter. Absolutely not. Your role is that you are a player going into a game (that has already started, yes) with the focus, effort and drive needed to CHANGE THINGS and bring a boost of whatever it is that your team needs at the moment.
Being a game-changer has massive advantages as well, advantages that you ONLY GET in this role:
- you go into the game with a lot more knowledge of the opponent (a tactical advantage)
- you go into the game with fresh legs (a physical advantage)
- you go into the game with a full tank of mental energy (a mental advantage)
All of these things above though, you only get them when you embrace the role of game-changer, and you spend your time before taking the pitch, very WISELY. Meaning, while you are on that bench, watch the game and gain as much information as you can about the opponent. Second, rest, hydrate, nourish and keep your body loose and ready to go.
Third, PROTECT THAT MENTAL ENERGY 🧠🙏🚨
You only get a limited amount of mental energy each day, DO NOT WASTE IT being angry about being on the bench and giving it away to things you cannot control.
If you do that, you will exhaust everything you’ve got before you even hit the field, and you won’t change the game. You won’t make an impact. You’ll continue to be a sub.
This entire idea may seem far-fetched, but I’m telling you, this simple mindset shift can change everything – not just about how you perform with the minutes you DO get – but about your entire perspective of how you view yourself as a soccer player.
Remember, when you tell yourself that you’re just a sub, you limit your potential. It’s a limiting belief to think that because you aren’t starting that you are not important and can’t make a difference. This self-defeating mentality WILL 100% HOLD YOU BACK. But when you tell yourself that you’re a GAME-CHANGER, you open up that door to truly unlocking your full potential…… 🏆🙌🌱❤️⚽️🔥🤩
So, sub? Or game-changer? The choice is completely up to you. Hit reply and let me know which one you choose.
Till next time,
💎 What I’m digging: The USWNT are in the Gold Medal Final! It’s been so much fun watching this team! Win or lose this match, I’m really looking forward to watching this team for years to come!
👩🏽💻 What I’m reading: Always love the pre-season edition of United Soccer Coaches Soccer Journal! Gets me excited to hit the field!
🎧 What I’m listening to: I can’t get enough of the actual HOWS of manifestation and right now I’m revisiting Wayne Dyer’s Wishes Fulfilled.
Grow your confidence through preparedness.
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Hi everyone! I’m Jenn and I create content to help female soccer players and coaches maximize individual and team potential by developing healthy mindset skills. Join other subscribers and sign up for the newsletter for all my best tips and advice!
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