Are you the star or a teammate? 9 tips for every player and every coach who thinks football is a team game

It is in our nature to be egoistic and self-centered, but we must not forget that a single person cannot do much on its own in a game of soccer. It is a must that players invest in their own improvement to perform at their best and get the glory. It gives satisfaction, recognition, and importance. Covering the large playing field with number of players in two teams, obviously – it is a chain reaction. One has to support another. The best individual performance should be fully put in function of the whole team. Players with their approach and attitude must help the team to achieve the best possible result.

On the other hand, coaches should find the right combination of characters that will make a team work like one. If one or more links are lost, the team will be affected. In our days of modern football, when every minimal move counts, the importance of this issue is even higher. Mutual support within all lines in the team makes it compact, hard to brake and powerful during the attack.

Are you the star or a teammate? 9 tips for every player and every coach who thinks football is a team game

Here are some tips players have to remember and coaches can apply that will definitely boost up your squad:

1. BE LOYAL

Always start with yourself. Be clear with your decisions and beliefs and stay motivated.

This season you are part of this particular team, make the best out of it. Make it remarkable. Show your dedication on and off the ground and you will get the respect you deserve.

2. KNOW AND ACCEPT YOUR ROLE IN A TEAM

What is expected from you to deliver? If you have doubts about your coach’s correction, ask him/her to clarify, speak to your teammate or your tandem partner in the line on how you can improve your game.

3. GIVE CREDIT TO YOUR TEAMMATES

In every practice and every match – be positive. With the right attitude, your mind will be clear, opened for ideas and you will be focused only to the things that will improve your performance. It will transfer to the tram chemistry. Use encouragement and praise your teammate in all situations. You will get the same treatment back.

4. COMPLIMENT A RISING PLAYER WHO ONE DAY MAY BE AT YOUR LEVEL

Showing respect to all the players in a team is characteristic of a confident player and the one who exactly knows what is doing. Competition is important for your own development. It motivates you to be better, to breach boundaries and perform like you never thought you could. Always remember that you were once in that situation and how you felt.

5. FIND WAYS TO BOND WITH YOUR TEAMMATES OFF THE FIELD

The fact is that many times team spirit and joint effort decide the game. Better teams on the paper with shiny stars don’t always dominate the match. Compact and organized teams are hard to beat. Spending quality time outside training helps build the team spirit that will transfer to the field.

6. NEVER BLAME YOUR TEAMMATES FOR A LOSS

Everybody can have a bad day, a day when nothing works well no matter how hard we try. It doesn’t mean that there is no effort. Underperforming players are already upset and aware of their performance. They are under pressure, so your statements and hard words will make it worse. It can lead to disrupting the friendship, even the group spirit. Leave the comments for the next meeting, or do ti in private choosing the right additives. Before any comments, make sure your performance is satisfying.

7. DON’T BLAME OTHERS FOR YOUR MISTAKES

You had a game to forget. You couldn’t find the rhythm of your runs, ball control or pass. Missed few shots, had some late tackles. You weren’t motivated and not in a form.

The best way is to control your emotions and try to get the best of what is left of the game. After the game finishes, analyse your mistakes and get ready to work hard in the coming week to improve your performance or earn your place in a team.

8. SLAP HANDS WITH A TEAMMATE WHO IS SUBBING FOR YOU

Everybody has a right to play. You are the lucky one to start the match.

The change is made for the better player in that particular moment. He/she will try to make the effort to improve the play. He/she is not the reason for your frustration, you are teammates.

9. UNDERSTAND THAT THE COACH HAS THE BEST INTEREST FOR THE TEAM

Coach has handful job to make a team play well so the players enjoy the game. He is making his moves with lots of thoughts, double checks and ideas in mind. He relies on the result of his objectives. If a team is performing well, his job is done. Believe, every coach takes care of each player equally.

Keep in mind that there’s no “I” in a team. Truly great players make the players around them – better players!