Training Habits: Make 100 Touches of the Ball Daily

Soccer players, whether amateur or professional, know that consistent practice is essential to honing their skills. A simple habit, like making 100 touches of the ball every day, can lead to significant improvements in technique, control, and confidence. Let's apply the four steps of James Clear's model ( stimulus, desire, response, and reward ) to effectively create this habit.

1. Stimulus: The Trigger to Start Touching the Ball

The stimulus is what reminds the player to start training. In soccer, it can be something as simple as seeing the ball or a specific time of day.

• Examples of stimuli for this habit:

  • Leave the soccer ball visible near the front door.

  • Set a fixed time for training, such as before or after breakfast.

  • Associate the habit with something you already do, like putting on your soccer shoes or sneakers.

How to create an effective stimulus:

• Place the ball in a strategic location, such as in the bedroom or entrance.

• Use alarms on your cell phone with motivating messages: “Time to do the 100 touches!” .

• Combine the habit with an existing routine. For example: "After I wake up, I'll touch the ball for 10 minutes."

2. Desire: The Motivation to Make the Touches

Desire is what drives action. In the case of a player, desire might come from the desire to improve technique, impress on the field, or feel more confident during matches.

• Examples of related wishes:

  • Improve ball control and reaction skills during games.

  • To be recognized as a more technical and skillful player.

  • Achieve a sense of accomplishment and progress.

How to strengthen desire:

• Visualize the bigger goal: Imagine yourself controlling the ball with ease during a decisive game.

• Watch videos of inspiring professional players like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo and see how ball control is crucial to success.

• Create a short-term goal, like getting 100 touches without dropping the ball by the end of the week.

3. Answer: The Action of Making the Touches

The answer is practice itself—picking up the ball and starting to make touches. For this to happen, the action must be simple and accessible.

• Examples of how to facilitate the response:

  • Choose a small space where you can train, such as the backyard or garage.

  • Set a modest initial goal: start with 50 touches and gradually increase until you reach 100.

  • Use a ball that is in good condition to avoid frustration.

How to ensure consistency:

• Make the habit so easy you can't fail: start with just 5 minutes a day.

• Eliminate barriers: always have the ball ready and the space organized for training.

• Use a timer or set a fixed number of rings to avoid wasting too much time.

4. Reward: The Result That Reinforces the Habit

Reward is essential for the brain to associate the habit with pleasure. For a soccer player, the reward can be tangible or emotional.

• Examples of rewards:

  • The feeling of progress when you realize your touches are getting better.

  • A small personal reward, like listening to a favorite song after your workout.

  • The satisfaction of crossing off a goal on your daily calendar.

How to reinforce the reward:

• Keep track of your progress: write down the number of touches per day or mark the days you practiced.

• Celebrate small victories: when you reach 100 touches, treat yourself to something you enjoy, like playing with friends or relaxing.

• Focus on the long-term impact: Realizing that this simple workout improves your performance on the field is a powerful motivator.

Daily Plan to Make 100 Touches of the Ball

1. Stimulation: Place the ball in a visible location or set an alarm to remind you.

2. Desire: Focus on continuous improvement and benefits to the game.

3. Answer: Dedicate 5-10 minutes to daily training, in an easy and accessible place.

4. Reward: Track progress and celebrate every achievement, big or small.

Conclusion

Creating the habit of making 100 touches of the ball daily may seem simple, but it has a huge impact on any soccer player's technique and confidence. By applying the principles of cue, desire, response, and reward , you're building a solid foundation for long-term success.

Remember: consistency is key. Small daily actions lead to big results on the field. Start today and become the player you've always wanted to be!

Did you like this article?
See more training and technical development tips at www.treinoemcasa.com/blog . 🏆⚽