Achieving success in sports, particularly soccer, extends far beyond physical ability. The mental game plays a crucial role in determining an athlete’s performance on and off the field. From maintaining focus to managing pressure, mental preparation is key to unlocking peak performance.
Hoag has recently announced its partnership as the exclusive health care provider for the Orange County Soccer Club which is part of the United Soccer League (USL) and is the fastest-growing Division II professional soccer league in the world.
Hoag’s team of nationally recognized physicians with Hoag Medical Group Sports Medicine, will provide Orange County SC players and coaching staff with comprehensive health care services. This will include working with players on their on mental strength as a key component to their overall well-being.
“Mental preparation is the foundation of athletic success, especially in a sport where split-second decisions, and unwavering focus are important to every play,” said James Suchy, M.D., head team physician for Orange County SC and sports medicine specialist at Hoag. “Outside of the gym, athletes must also work on their mental resilience, so they can perform their best out on the field.”
Dr. Suchy with Hoag Medical Group Sports Medicine shared some effective strategies to mentally prepare for the big game.
- Visualize Success: Before stepping onto the field, take time to visualize executing successful plays, scoring goals and making critical decisions with confidence. Visualizing success boosts self-belief and helps the brain familiarize itself with a positive outcome, making it more likely to translate into reality during the game.
- Set Clear Goals: Set both short-term and long-term goals that are specific, measurable, and relevant to performance. Whether it’s improving passing accuracy, increasing sprint speed, or mastering a new technique, it’s important to have goals to help push one’s limits during training and competition.
- Embrace Positive Self-Talk: The dialogue we have with ourselves profoundly influences our performance. Replace negative thoughts and self-doubt with positive affirmations and encouraging self-talk. Remind yourself of your strengths, past successes, and the hard work you’ve put into your training. Cultivating a positive mindset not only boosts confidence but also enhances resilience in the face of challenges or setbacks during the game.
With Hoag’s roots deeply embedded in Orange County, Hoag Sports Medicine physicians are thrilled to work with the Orange County Soccer Club to provide services for athlete’s mind and body.
To learn more about Hoag Medical Group’s Sports Medicine program, visit hoagmedicalgroup.com.
