Most players have the level of technical ability in which to perform skills and actions on the pitch, however, they can lack the composure to perform them in-game situations. This article gives five quick tips on how to be more composed in pressure situations.

1. Repetition

It may sound obvious but repeatedly practicing certain techniques that will occur in a game is a great way to help with composure on a match day. For instance, if a player practices a first-time finish from a low cross, over and over, then they will start to become familiar with these situations.

These particular techniques will become developed and when they need to be performed in a match, players should feel more comfortable in executing them with success.

2. Positivity 

Players will inevitably make mistakes in matches whether that’s missing a good chance on goal, giving the ball away in a dangerous area when under pressure, misplacing a pass etc.

If players can learn to stay positive throughout the match and don’t let the previous mistakes affect their performance this will help to improve composure in future situations.

Also, learning to not fear the failure of certain instances in a match is important as it gives players a sense of freedom to try things and take risks. It can also help with improving composure as players will be less worried about if things go wrong.

3. Don’t think about what people think

Sometimes players will worry about what the coaches, other players, people watching the game might think about them if they make a mistake or have a bad performance.

Especially at youth level, it’s about players having fun and expressing themselves on the pitch. So players need to try and block out these thoughts as they can be distracting and have a detrimental effect on their composure levels.

4. Train at match speed

When players train they must do it with intensity and conviction as it massively helps with preparation and in turn their levels of composure in a match.

For instance, if players are taking part in a shooting drill at training and they are jogging up to the ball, hitting it half-heartedly and having a bit of a joke with their teammates then this is in no way good preparation for a game.

However, if players consistently run up to the ball with speed and strike it with pace as if they were under pressure from defenders then it will help them to transfer these skills more easily on a match day.

5. Focus on the basics > Build confidence

When in high-pressure situations on the pitch, good practice for players is to remember the basics and go over them in their heads. For instance, if a player has a good chance on goal they should be thinking in their head things like:

“Eyes on the ball until it leaves my foot”

“Relax and hit the target”

As players focus on thinking about these things, then start to master the basics and then find success from them in matches, then their confidence should build. As a players confidence in their own ability grows, their composure on the pitch will only benefit.

TopTekkers is the perfect tool for young players to master the basics of the game, develop individual techniques and become confident in their football.

Download TopTekkers today on Apple or Android and start developing your skills so you can improve your composure and all-round game on a match day!

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