Football players at all levels of the game spend numerous hours refining their techniques and training to give themselves the best possible chance on match day. However, improving performance for the match is not simply about improving technical skills.
Being prepared for a non-league football game is multifactorial in nature and should include many aspects in the days leading up to the big match. Here are some of the things that football players do on the days leading up to a non-league game. Ignoring just one of these areas could significantly impact a player’s overall performance on the pitch:
Although this one might seem counterproductive, as football players need to practice before a big match, if they do not get enough rest or sleep, they will be unable to perform at their best on the big day.
Many football players choose to find a quiet room where they can meditate, read a book, or play their favourite mobile games. All of these things can help them to relax and allow them to de-stress before a match.
The foods that footballers eat before match day will vary depending on age, experience, preference and even culture. However, most footballers try and consume a healthy and nutritious diet on the days leading up to their big match. This includes plenty of fruit and vegetables as well as energy-boosting foods like eggs and rice too.
Even professional footballers feel pressure as the stakes increase, game by game. Thanks to this, footballers have to mentally prepare themselves before a game. Mental preparation for a game incorporates skills such as eliminating distractions, visualizing success, improving mental toughness, and staying positive.
Football players cannot expect to be able to play at their best if they have not practised before the match. Not only do they need to attend all training sessions, but they also need to give 100% during these sessions if they want to do well.
In the days before a match, footballers try and stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. While you may have heard that footballers drink sports drinks in the days leading up to a match, this is often untrue. Although sports drinks are useful, and they have their place, footballers usually save these drinks until immediately before or during a match. Because sports drinks accelerate the use of carbohydrates as energy, consuming them too early could lead to footballers feeling tired or lethargic during the game.
Preparing for a football game varies from player to player. Some players prefer to have a routine on the days leading up to match day, while others prefer to try something different each time. While this may be true, there are some things that all players do to prepare for match day, including resting before the game, eating healthily, and getting plenty of sleep. All of these things can help improve their performance on the day.