How commitment can take you to the top.....

COMMITMENT

BY SPORTS PYSCHOTHERAPIST, TREVOR GRAY

Our very own Sports Psychotherapist and Ultimate Athlete's Trevor Gray, guides us through Commitment, the first of the seven C's that will help you on and off the pitch.

Add a little bit of body text 14

The Seven C’s

The first C to look at is Commitment, as it is the basis of everything! Commitment is essential if we want to succeed.

“A willingness to give your time and energy to something”

In order to focus on maximum quality of effort and commitment we need to look at:

• Consistency

• Positioning

• Tackling

• Closing down opposition

• Working as a team, not just individuals

A great way to improve commitment is to work on preparing for your training and matches properly, placing you in the right mindset to concentrate on working hard without worrying about other parts of your game.

Commitment goes beyond making a decision - it is a promise. It’s a mindset for maximum effort. In football terms this means not only putting in maximum quantity of effort - but also maximum quality.

Commitment is about you getting ready to perform at your best. Without being fully committed you will not get the most out of your potential - so go for it!

It means going beyond just being there.

When we think of quantity of effort we often think of things like:

• 100%, nothing less

• Making runs

• Tracking back

• Support play

• Re-focusing after goals or setbacks • Playing through tiredness or pain.

Trevor Gray, Sports Performance Coach and Psychotherapist at Ultimate Athlete.

www.trevorgraytherapy.co.uk

www.ultimateathlete.co.uk

Tips to Improve Your Preparation

To improve your commitment you need to prepare. Trevor gives us some great pointers to help you in becoming committed and mentally ready.

Good preparation means getting these things ready:

Kit and Equipment Clean kit - Boots - what type? - astroturf, trainers, soft ground, hard ground... - Shin pads - Tracksuit - Gloves (if it’s cold) - Hat (for warm-up if it’s cold) - Goalkeeper - check gloves, peaked hat

Diet Energy food - Don’t eat closer than two hours before kickoff - Fruit, sweets - Eat a meal as soon as possible after match.

Hydration Drinks - make sure you have plenty before playing but not too much that you need to keep going to the toilet - Halftime - drink little but often - After the match make sure you drink plenty - replace water, electrolytes (salt, potassium).

Time Management - Get to training and matches on time (at least) - Get there early if you can - Keep relaxed - Having extra time helps get you focused.

Rest - Get enough sleep - at least eight hours a night - Relax before match - Relax after match

Warming Up - Wear suitable kit - Get switched on - This is the time to prepare body and mind - Concentrate on team bonding

CRISTIANO RONALDO has won four Champions League winner’s medals in the last five years, and is arguably the best footballer the world has ever seen.

Here’s what he has to say about Commitment:

“In my mind I’m always the best, not just this year, I’m always the best.

It’s not about the money - it’s about the passion.

You have to work - I do it every day. That is why I’m at the top level for many, many years - because I do extra outside the pitch.I like to put myself under pressure, to see what I can do.

I give 100%, that is what I love to do. I try to be the best, like always. I want more and more, I still have many years to play football, I want to win more.I try to do my best every season. If I work hard, I’m better at my job.

Talent without working hard is nothing. Without sacrifice you cannot win anything - I gave unbelievable sacrifice.

Am I the best footballer in the world right now?

I think so, yes."