Soccer is a contact sport, and it’s a game that rewards aggression to a certain extent. That being said, it’s super important to keep your cool, as too much aggression will lead to a red card.
But there are some things you can do to increase your aggression levels when you take to the field without overstepping the mark.
So, in this article, we answer the question – how to be more aggressive in soccer? – and introduce you to some top tips that will help you put more pressure on your opponents.
So, how to be more aggressive in soccer?
To be more aggressive in soccer, you need to adapt your mindset and consider what the game means to you. It also helps if you work on your fitness, and an understanding of the rules is vital, so you don’t overstep the mark. While you can’t just magically become more aggressive overnight, let’s look at some of the things you can do to work on your aggression levels on the soccer field.
Are you allowed to be aggressive in soccer?
Contrary to what you might think, aggression in soccer is actually a good thing when it’s controlled. If you have aggressive players on your team that don’t want to lose, it will certainly increase your chances of winning.
A great example of this is Roy Keane, who was Manchester United’s midfield enforcer throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Keane was known and feared for his aggression on the field, but he could also play, which contributed to his success as a soccer player.
So, adopting a more aggressive approach to soccer can undoubtedly work to your advantage, but you need to keep it in check, as we explain below.
What happens if you’re too aggressive?
There’s a fine line between being aggressive on the soccer field and being downright dangerous. Perhaps the best phrase to use is “hard but fair,” which perfectly describes how soccer players can be aggressive within the laws of the game.
If you overstep the mark and exhibit what is known as “excessive force” in soccer, you will be punished by the referee. For instance, if your aggression leads to a dangerous foul on an opponent, you will be sent off, which puts your team in trouble.
Therefore, as you attempt to be more aggressive on the soccer field, make sure you’re mindful of doing so within the rules. Otherwise, your aggression will be punished by the referee, and you will put the success of your team in jeopardy.
Five tips to be more aggressive in soccer
As explained, there’s undoubtedly a place for aggression in soccer, but it needs to be measured. Here are five tips that will help you crank things up a notch on the soccer field.
Consider your mindset
Aggression is linked to your mindset, so the best way to become a more aggressive soccer player is to change the way you think about and approach matches. If you’re a pretty easy-going individual, it might feel a little difficult to just be aggressive all of a sudden.
However, you need to try and think differently about your upcoming match. Get yourself in the zone ahead of kick-off and assure yourself that you will do everything in your power to win the match. This is a really important starting point if you’re to increase your on-field aggression.
Work on your fitness
In addition to getting in the right mindset, it helps if your body is in good shape when you’re seeking to up the ante out on the soccer field. After all, if you’re lacking in fitness, it will be difficult to put in the physical challenges that are required to be more aggressive.
You don’t have to go crazy, but an extra gym session every week or a few extra laps around the soccer field to work on your cardio after practice can give you the edge on the field.
Understand the rules
So, if you’re planning to be more aggressive in the tackle, make sure you understand what is fair within the laws of the game. If you start putting in aggressive fouls for the sake of it, you’re endangering your opponents, which is not a good approach to the beautiful game.
Think of ways to motivate yourself
Everyone is inspired and motivated by different things, so have a think about what motivates you to crank things up a notch on game day. Perhaps you can download a pre-match soundtrack to get you in the mood, or maybe you can tune into some footage of your favorite soccer players of all time.
The key thing to remember is that everyone is inspired by different things, so what works for one person might not work for you. But if you can find a way of motivating yourself, it will be much easier to take to the field with slightly more aggression than usual.
Raise the stakes
Last but not least, consider raising the stakes as a way of motivating yourself. Set yourself some pre-season targets and hold yourself to account as the soccer season gets underway.
You will be amazed at how much more motivated and committed you are during soccer matches when there’s something riding on it, even if they are only personal targets.
Recap: How to be more aggressive in soccer
Provided you don’t overstep the mark; there’s absolutely nothing wrong with adopting an aggressive approach on the soccer field.
But as mentioned above, you will need to understand the rules relating to excessive force and contact before flying into sliding tackles, as the last thing you want is to be sent from the field of play.