MVP MENTALITY SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY

Soccer, (football to countries other than the United States) is a game played on a rectangular field with goals on opposite sides of the field. The object of the game of soccer is to score by using any part of the body besides the arms and hands to get the football into the opposing goal. The goalkeepers are the only players allowed to touch the ball with their hands or arms while it is in play and then only in their penalty area. Outfield players mostly use their feet to strike or pass the ball, but may use their head or torso to strike the ball instead. The team that scores the most goals by the end of the match wins. If the score is tied at the end of the game, either a draw is declared or the game goes into extra time and/or a penalty shootout depending on the format of the competition.

Soccer combines physical endurance, quick thinking, and mental toughness. In this fast paced game, decisions need to be made quickly in order to advance down the field to the opponent’s goal, as well as to steal the ball from the opposing team. Players need to be aggressive in going after the soccer ball, and endure high pressure situations, including corner kicks, penalty kicks, and shootouts.