6 Ways to Fight Soccer Burnout

Some of our socceristas have been playing soccer since before they could even walk. OK, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it really has been a long time. Doing anything for that long is sure to spark some burnout. It’s not that you want to quit; it’s just that you’ve been at it for so long you might be feeling a little run down. So here are six ways you can combat soccer burnout.

Watch Highlights

When burnout comes from lack of stimulation, it’s time to turn to the pros. Watching highlights of your favorite professional team or the USWNT is a great way to generate a quick buzz. Watch their moves and see what you can take from their performances. If nothing else, it’ll be a good reminder of what you’re working toward. 

Test Out a Different Sport or Position

If you’ve been playing soccer your entire life, maybe it’s time to shake things up a bit. If you’ve been a striker all your life, consider asking your coach if you can join some defense drills. If soccer is the only sport you’ve ever played, think about dabbling in a more hand-centric sport like lacrosse or volleyball. Trying out something new gives you a bit of perspective and might help banish burnout.

Talk It Out

The easiest solution to most problems is communication. You’re not the first soccerista to feel the effects of burnout, and the odds are other members of your team are right there with you. So talk to your team and your coach about how you’re feeling. Those who care about you will have words of wisdom to help reignite your passion. 

Turn to Old Motivations

Remember why you got into soccer in the first place. Maybe it was a movie or a player, or your older sibling. Look back to where you came from and how far you’ve come. Draw on your past to become your own inspiration. 

Rest

Even the most competitive athletes take rest days. A big part of burnout comes from physical fatigue. Sometimes it feels like you’ll drop if you have to do even one more sprint drill. Give yourself some days to do absolutely nothing, to not even think about soccer. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, so giving yourself some time to rest could be exactly what you need. 

Switch up Your Training

If your team focuses primarily on conditioning and agility, set up your own time to work on ball skills. If practice is usually very scheduled and tight, get some of your teammates together before or after to play a game of pick-up. Get to work on some FUNdamentals. Finding joy again in soccer is the quickest way to bounce back from burnout. 

Too much of a good thing, even a thing as good as soccer, can be a lot to handle over time. Do what you can to stave off burnout, and if you feel it coming on, just remember what brought you to the field in the first place.

Featured Image via Adobe Stock @bokan

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