Players like Jamie Vardy,Callum Wilson, Ollie Watkins or even legends like N'Golo Kanté were in the same shoes as you at one point in their journey. They too once played in very low leagues and even non-leagues, but still managed to make it to the very top. But what exactly did they do to get there? This video will explore and answer what non-academy players can do to reach the top levels in football. Step 1: Build your confidence Having belief in yourself is the first step of most journeys, and this one is no different. Belief is what will keep you going when things get tough, it’s what will give you your confidence going into every single trial, training session and match. And always remember, every big star in the game was once like yourself, an unknown young baller trying to make it pro. So don’t view yourself any differently to them, their success came through determination and resilience, yours can too! Step 2: Develop your skill set Your skill set is the most important and valuable thing you have. You should never stop working and honing your skills over and over again. So first, figure out your strengths and weaknesses. Then think about the main things you have to do on the pitch, like passing, shooting, or defending. With this information, create a priority list of what you need to work on most and figure out what training sessions as well as individual drills will help you most. Step 3: Conditioning Have you ever wondered how players like Ronaldo have stayed at the top for years, despite their age? One simple word: conditioning. His secret? A training plan that gradually improves speed, strength, stamina, agility, and avoids injuries. But getting fit isn't just about fancy equipment. Anyone can do it. Easy things like interval sprints and doing agility exercises can make a huge difference for your mobility and stamina. While doing power and strength exercises will help you become more robust and able to deal with contact on the pitch. Step 4: Recovery Recovery isn't just for academy or pro players; it's essential for everyone aiming to compete at their best. So here are some things that you can do: Step 5: Nutrition and Hydration Success in football isn't just about skill. It's about taking care of your body, as discussed in the previous step. Eating right and staying hydrated are crucial for peak performance and long-term success. Eating right and staying hydrated are crucial for peak performance and long-term success. Healthy carbs such as potatoes, bread, pasta, rice as well as fruit and vegetables are good options before a match or training. Afterwards you want to again re-fuel yourself with those healthy carbs but also ensure you get a good amount of protein in too, whether that be chicken, fish, eggs, nuts or even a protein shake. Also, don't forget to drink plenty of liquids all day, especially before, during, and after you exercise. Water is the best choice, but drinks with electrolytes can be helpful, especially when you're working out hard. Step 6: Mindset Playing football isn't just about ability, mindset is what separates the good from the best. The mental strength and attitude that players bring to the pitch can make all the difference in their success. So, what exactly constitutes a strong football mindset? Resilience - Staying strong when things don’t go your way Discipline - Having unwavering focus on your plan Adaptability - Can you adapt to different positions and formations Confidence - Belief in yourself Teamwork - Communication with teammates Patience - Sticking to your plan even if it takes a long time Step 7: Tactical understanding Understanding the tactical aspects of the game is crucial in order to understand your roles. So what exactly does tactical understanding entail? It starts with comprehending your roles and responsibilities within the team's game plan. Whether you're a defender, midfielder, or striker, knowing where you need to be and what you need to do is key. Beyond individual roles, understanding different tactical structures is vital. Beyond individual roles, understanding different tactical structures is vital. Concepts like playing out from the back, pressing strategies, and transitional play can significantly impact a team's performance. By familiarising yourself with these tactics, you can anticipate plays, make better decisions, and contribute effectively to your team's success. Step 8: Analysing performance Whether it's a training session or a match, taking time to reflect on your performance can be a real game-changer. Regular self-assessment gives you an alternative perspective of your performance, and can give you a more realistic overview of how well you played. So if possible, find a way to record your training or matches, watch it back and find areas of growth. Be critical and set goals to achieve for next time. Step 9: Get yourself noticed In football, it's crucial to get noticed, so you need to find chances to play in competitive games and events to get experience and show people what you can do. This is how you can increase your chances of getting noticed: Compete in local and regional youth leagues and tournaments. Attend open trials for better known clubs and academies, even if they are at a higher level than your current team. Participate in football camps hosted by professional clubs, former players, or experienced coaches. These events can help you learn new skills and make connections in the football community. Create a social media profile Create a football CV, including information on your age, position and past playing experience. Create a highlight reel or video showcasing your best skills and performances. Share it with scouts, coaches and teams you want to join. Step 10: Keep yourself educated In football, having a backup plan is crucial. By staying educated, players can prepare for setbacks and open doors to alternative career paths. Balancing football dreams with education sets players up for long-term success, but hopefully you won’t need it, because you’ll be producing magic on the pitch!
