Trials

Hello, it has been a busy few weeks, have been going nonstop and on the verge of losing my voice. But I cannot complain, while it is hard work, this is what I wanted and I am enjoying the process.

Today I wanted to talk about trials. From September through to late November, clubs will have trials across all age groups. While the season has just ended, football does not stop. It is a time to review performances, and to prepare the best possible squad for the next season.

Players may have doubts about trialling, everyone is wondering what will happen to them, if they will be retained or let go, or if they will even have a club for the next season. It’s a grey area in the year that I feel is not talked enough about.

Through my own experience and speaking with other players, there is no denying a very obvious and significant factor in which players are selected; this is who you know and how well connected you are. Throughout the season, people talk and agreements are made, often come trial time, a lot of existing players will be retained and the few spots that were available are already filled. On top of this, it is highly competitive and everyone wants to make it.

Growing up I was a shy kid, very introverted and found it difficult to talk to new people. On top of this I was a “late bloomer”. So, you can imagine the nerves turning up to trials, seeing so many other players that were all bigger than me and being anxious about every move I make, thinking too much about what I should be doing, being afraid to standout and yet wanting to be a standout player. Just an overall feeling of anxiety gripping me.

I knew I was a decent player, but failed to show it because of my mentality and my lack of courage.

I wanted to write this post because I want to help my players and anyone who reads this. If I knew what I know now I would have told younger Maceon these 4 important things:

1.To hell with politics.

Regardless of whether you have an in with the club or not. The only thing that matters is who you are and what you can do. If you want something bad enough, it will happen. You should approach trials like you are the best player there. Your goal should not be to just make the team, your goal is to be so good that they have no choice but to take you. And all that comes down to, is if you worked harder than the guy next to you, that’s it. If you’ve built your foundation (first touch, technique, fitness, game knowledge) than you can rock up and perform on any given day.

Repetition removes doubt. If you put in the hours throughout the season, you should be able to walk into a trial with your chest out, and turn heads from the very moment you touch the ball. ANY doubt or fear, simply means you are not prepared.

2.Language.

This is the way you carry yourself, what you say to others, your reaction to mistakes.

Ideally:

Rock up 15 min early, shake hands, introduce yourself.

When it is time to play, WANT THE BALL, never shy away from it.

Back yourself, stay calm and play with intensity.

TALK. Talk to your teammates, be loud. Tell them what you want, encourage them, and be open to what they say. This is the best way to adapt and work together.

Mistakes will happen, what’s important is how you react to them. More eyes will be on you when you make a mistake in comparison to when you do something good. So keep your head up and stay composed. If you lose the ball, win it back straight away.

If you are waiting to play, stay near the coach, and play any position you get (not including goalkeeper hahaha). Doesn’t matter if you’re not a right back, you are today. Regardless you should be able to know how to play any position, but specialise in your own.

3.Relax.

Trials are not the end of the world. Learn how to turn your nervousness into excitement by changing your perspective. Every trial you go to is an experience and an opportunity. You will find that the more you go to the less daunting it becomes. Other opportunities will come, and until you reach your goal, you clap for others. Don’t be bitter or think that you should have made it. That is a loser mindset. Be disappointed that you did not work hard enough. Forgive yourself. And go again.

4. This last one will not apply to everyone. For me though, it helped a lot.

It is the concept of “second gear”, “afterburners”, or “flipping the switch”.

It is something that comes from the heart. And it is the ability to do just a little bit more than your body can take.

I believe that unless you are throwing up, you can always run more, move quicker, go harder.

There are very little limits to the human body, and often times people may think they can do no more, but in reality, they can. A sort of secret power. When this happens, it usually comes from emotion. For me, I will be frustrated at how I am playing, or when I remember why I play (Training with Purpose).

There are certain moments during games, where you will “flip the switch”. Something will trigger it.

You play like your literal life is on the line. Any 1v1 or 50/50, either ends up with you with the ball or the other player on the ground. Any ball that is to be won; you win. Any last sprint, you sprint, regardless of how tired you are.

I am sure I am not the only one to have experienced this but the best way to describe it is the mentality;

“You have to kill me to beat me.”

I hope to anyone reading this, that it helps them. Perhaps provide a bit of perspective.

I’m feeling grateful for every day, as well as the past couple of weeks. I really enjoy coaching and am picking up new things constantly. Till next time!

Mace.