Solving the Slow First Half Problem: What My Son Taught Me About Mindset
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One thing I’ve noticed in youth soccer — and I’ve seen this across many different teams — is how often kids take half a game to really get going.
At first, I chalked it up to early morning starts or not enough warm-up. But the more I watched, the more I realized: it’s not about time of day or physical readiness.
It’s about mindset.
It’s about starting the game without a purpose.
Most kids walk onto the field without a clear intention. No game plan. No mental trigger. They’re just going through the motions — and the first half slips by before they’ve fully “activated.”
My son used to be the same way.
But over the past year, that’s changed — and it all starts before the whistle blows.
The Pre-Game Shift
Now, before every game, he takes a moment to:
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Write down his mindset and effort goals
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Set a game-impact target (like creating 5 chances, or pressing hard early)
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Visualize key moments — how he’ll move, how he’ll react, what it will feel like
And then he rehearses it mentally — sometimes with a small physical gesture, like simulating a pass, a shot, or a defensive movement.
From the outside, it might look like he’s daydreaming.
But what I’ve learned is… it’s actually his activation process.
What That Looks Like in Action
This weekend, I captured a few moments that tell the full story:
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First, he’s quietly walking out — visualizing, not chatting.
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Then, he simulates a quick turn and shot before kickoff.
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And just minutes into the game, he sprints the length of the field to get into a scoring position.
That kind of start doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s built.
It’s practiced.
It’s mental preparation in action.
Final Thought
This routine has helped him play with purpose from minute one — and honestly, it’s something I think a lot of players could benefit from.
Have you seen the same thing with your son or daughter?
Do they take a while to switch on, or do they have their own way of getting into game mode?
I’d love to hear what other players, parents, or coaches are doing to help kids activate early and play with intention.
Let’s keep sharing ideas — because the mental game is the game.