It is normal to wonder what a footballer does. In the initiation stage a person starts playing the sport for fun. If he is talented, he can go on to make a living out of it. This profession is not like the most common ones, as it is usual to earn more money, but the pressure and the demands are much higher.
That is why players do not have a life like ours. Their routines, their vacations, their schedules… everything is different. They cannot live like any other people because their recognition does not allow them to walk quietly in the street. With all this, the question is: what does a soccer player do?
The qualities of a soccer player
A soccer player must constantly master all aspects of the game. His life is based on constantly practicing to bring together as many qualities as possible: dribbling, passing, shooting, definition, his less skilled leg… A large part of his day-to-day life consists of practicing these skills, either on the training field or through videos.
His physical preparation
A footballer is obliged to be in good physical shape. Elite sport is demanding and care is taken down to the smallest details. Speed and endurance are two aspects that players practice in their training sessions. This is complemented by sessions in the gym, either at the club’s own facilities or at home.
In addition, they must be prepared for coordination and balance. In the middle of a match they collide, stop, turn, accelerate, brake… Being in good physical shape is fundamental to perform these actions without getting injured. They take great care of their body because a player prone to injury loses a lot of value.
Positive habits off the field
As you have seen, the work of a soccer player is not limited to what he does on the field. To be a soccer player you have to make certain sacrifices. First of all, rest is essential: it is recommended to sleep between 8 and 10 hours a day, as training sessions are demanding.
Hydration and nutrition are basic to be able to respond during games. It is necessary to hydrate with water and isotonic drinks and reduce alcoholic beverages as much as possible. A soccer player does without a party for a large part of his life. The diet must be varied, balanced and meet the needs of each individual. High sugar content should be avoided.
The psychological aspect
Soccer players are under a lot of stress. Fans feel that their team is one of the most important things in their lives, so a goal or a mistake can make you a hero or a villain. When people go through such drastic changes, they need to find stability elsewhere. For this reason, many work with sports psychologists.
Working with a sports psychologist
Since psychology ceased to be a taboo subject it is widespread in all areas, and soccer was not going to be less. Comments on social networks, a complicated adaptation, situations outside the team… all this causes us to perform below our level.
Thus, within the routine of many soccer players is the therapy with their sports psychologist. They go there constantly because they need to control both positive and negative emotions. A player who bursts onto the scene and becomes the idol of his fans in just a few games must know that this is a temporary situation. This is the work of psychologists.
The character of the players
Soccer players are role models for many people. They are aware of this and are therefore obliged to transmit positive qualities. A soccer player must show ambition, perseverance and discipline. Of course, they also have to show that not everything goes, they have to be respectful.
The day-to-day work of the players is rewarded in the results. Everything mentioned above is done with the aim of winning, but it is not enough to win in any way. The players work as a team, are supportive and have blind faith in their teammates. This is also part of their routine.
