Soccer Psychology

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Session Notes The Rival
Addressing:

Nerves Before Kickoff

The anxiety that builds in the tunnel, in the locker room, during the national anthem, that sick feeling in your stomach that some players channel into performance and others let consume them. While many report nerves "disappeared right after kick-offs," for some players this pre-match anxiety bleeds into the opening minutes, causing early errors that set a negative tone.

How The Rival Can Overcome Nerves Before Kickoff in Soccer

Posted on December 4, 2025 ~ min read
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For: The Rival athletes in Soccer
Focus: Session Notes - Nerves Before Kickoff
Read Time: ~8 min
Session Notes December 4, 2025
Profile: The Rival
Sport: Soccer
Challenge: Nerves Before Kickoff

The tunnel feels longer today. Your boots are tied correctly, your shin guards sit perfectly, yet something churns in your stomach that has nothing to do with breakfast. Pre-match anxiety in soccer is that specific tightness in your chest, the racing thoughts about your direct opponent, the involuntary replay of your last mistake against this team.

For athletes with opponent-focused competitive styles, these nerves before kickoff carry extra weight. You have studied the opposing midfielder all week. You know their tendencies, their weaknesses, their preferred foot. The preparation should calm you. Instead, it amplifies everything.

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Vladimir Novkov

M.A. Social Psychology | ISSA Elite Trainer | Expert in Sport Psychology for Athlete Development

My mission is to bridge the gap between mind and body, helping athletes and performers achieve a state of synergy where peak performance becomes a natural outcome of who they are.

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