Team Talk

Training Standards

How You Practice Is How You Play

One of the most important ideas in soccer — and in life — is simple:

When we get together we act like professional soccer players. That is our mentality.

How you practice is how you play.

Training is not something we do just to get through the week. It is where habits are built. Every touch, every run, every challenge, and every decision you make in practice is shaping the kind of player you become.

Players sometimes think that they can “turn it on” during games. In reality, that almost never happens.

You play the way you train. Same in life.

A Personal Standard

When I play soccer, I never lower my level.

Sometimes people might think that when I play with kids I coach I’m enjoying beating up on them. Do I enjoy tormenting weaker players or dominating a game? Honestly, yes — part of playing sports is enjoying competition and playing well.

But that’s not the real reason.

The real reason is that I have set a standard for myself, and I refuse to drop it.

Dropping your standard becomes a habit. Raising your standard every time becomes a better habit.

And in sports, habits are everything.

Do You Want More Playing Time?

When it comes time to select players for JV games, I’m not only looking at performances in matches. I’m watching training.

The players who raise their level in practice are the ones who stand out. The players who drop their level during training are not the players coaches rely on when games matter.

Training is where trust is built.