What Youth Players Can Learn From Watching Women’s Soccer

Many young soccer players look up to professionals, and some young players have aspirations to play at that level one day or at least emulate their favorite soccer star. Watching the pros on television or live in person is a great way for young players to grow their game. As a young soccer player, here are some of the things that you can learn from watching women’s soccer. 

Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship is one attribute that practicing soccer doesn’t always teach outright. When young players watch professionals play, they can see how players on opposing sides treat each other with respect.

Even when one team is up by a lot on the scoreboard, that does not change how the players on each side treat each other. They help each other up, they give the ball to each other for throw-ins, and sometimes you can see them talking during slow parts of the game. Sportsmanship is a really valuable lesson that youth players can gain from watching the pros. 

Creativity

One of the best things that youth players can learn from professionals is creativity. Professional players have trained for years, and they have fine-tuned their skills on the field. 

Even if youth players haven’t picked up certain skills yet, you can begin to gain some confidence in trying out new moves by watching the pros. Young players can get ideas for things they want to try out in the game and start to think of new things entirely. Overall, when youth players watch the pros, they can learn how to add some creativity to their game.

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Positivity 

Another thing that young players can learn by paying attention to the pros is an optimistic mindset. Having a positive outlook is essential both outside and inside the game. 

By watching the pros play and following their season, young players can see how they win and lose, and even when a team is having a losing season, it doesn’t dull their effort or drive to play the game. 

Losing is part of the game, and by watching professional teams bounce back after a bad season, young players may feel inspired to view their own win-loss record with a little more positivity. 

Risk-Taking

Taking risks is part of playing soccer. When young players are in the game, they might fear making mistakes or messing up. This can lead to being overly cautious during the game and not playing to the best of their ability.

By watching professionals, young players can see how they constantly take risks and constantly make mistakes. They can learn that making a few mistakes won’t be the end of them. And that even if a mistake results in a goal being scored against them, it’s not the end of the world. 

Young players can learn that while taking risks in the game can have consequences, it can also yield really big rewards.

Overall, there are many ways for young players to grow by watching women’s soccer. Watching the game is a huge part of participating in soccer, and there is always something to learn from a game.

Featured image via @uswnt on Instagram

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