As a coach, how can I better communicate with my players? | EP. 088
The #AskASocerPro show is a Live video podcast where 11 year MLS vet and Mental Strength Coach Quincy Amarikwa dives into the mentalities of highly successful individuals both on and off the pitch. In this weeks episode Quincy goes over how to better communicate, first touch and ball control and more!
Time Stamps
0:00-5:25 Welcome To The #AskASoccerPro Show Ep 88!
5:28-8:05 Should you train individually on the same days along with team practices?
8:12-12:50 Should I go to College or go from academy right to pro? @adair.avalos
13:25-17:00 How to handle playing in a small area? @weston.benny
18:25-20:32 Will clubs allow you to have a clause where they will pay some or all your college costs? @joe.jackson11
20:41-22:47 Do you have to make hard sacrifices with your family to go pro @fcjiro_
22:53-25:10 As a coach, how can I better communicate with my players? @sakhersi
25:20-27:42 What to work on after taking a break and getting rusty? @hussainnextdoor
28:00-29:14 How to help better your first touch and ball control? @3sebasirodriguez6
34:14-35:35 How to deal with blisters? @eliel_arroyo
39:26-43:25 What is Quincy's favorite drill? @pigs_do_fly_6
What are Quincy’s pregame rituals? @yoshi.ccc
45:38-47:36 How to apply individual training into your games? @sageofdbz
47:45-51:35 Importance of doing the little things right, and knowing the systems.
51:36-54:22 How to stop doubting your own abilities and not be intimidated. @Sageofdbz
54:23-57:03 Does your mental health have to be ready for every game? @brahim_keit
57:04-58:55 Importance of mental breaks for your mental health
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This is a crude transcript.
Quincy Amarikwa (00:00):
We're all here to ride the MSL waves. He mentioned the strength lead. I'd like to welcome you to another episode of the hashtag ask eight soccer pro Oh,
Quincy Amarikwa (00:11):
Connor Johnson firsthand. What's going on? F Montez, FAA, C U N D O. What's going on brother, Joe Jackson, joining in miles 99. What's up, what's up miles. I think it's the first time I've sketched you in the live with the Seattle Sounders logo. What's going on, brother Joe. I'm doing well. What's up with you brother F Montez, Mon Ted Tez, four eight, four. What's up. I am sir. Nutty. What's going on pug, but jr. Tripping, Carlos. Yeah. I see you gotten those, getting those two assists. EA you guys, you guys know you guys know what it is. Let's see what we get here. I didn't even see those. Um, my crosses welcome to the live. Did we got the, uh, seeing if we had the video, I don't have the video of the assists. I should have put those, pull those. I only had the screen grab the image, but yes, to assist in, uh, the most recent game, it was, it was good to get back into the swing of things, starting to get a little bit of my game fitness back. So that has been nice. Um, yeah, that's been good. Let's see what we got here, but yo, what's going on? If everybody can hear me. All right. Spam that heart button dropping I'm in your head emoji. So we can start getting into today's episode of the hashtag ask a soccer coach. Oh, I think we're episode 89. We episode 89 or 90. What are we not sure. Episode 89 or 90, something like that.
Quincy Amarikwa (02:04):
I got to, I got to get focused on figuring out what episode number we are. Cause we're, we're coming in on the century club here soon, um, which I also need to do a better job of planning for us that we can put something special together for it. Um, but we still got 10 more weeks until then, but eh, you guys know 10 weeks can come up quick. So we gotta, uh, put that plan in place. Chief Ventura said knowledge that's right, because in every episode of the hashtag as a soccer pro show, we break down the M S L it is a game where you are an active participant or you're steady getting played of this game and how to thrive in it is because the MSL mindset is the markdown down the MSL and the America process or seven step AmeriCorps process. The first three steps of that process being the three S's of self awareness.
Quincy Amarikwa (02:53):
And we get into getting your questions answered. Every the community grows and the community is diligently applying the lessons. Um, and I'm seeing questions already coming in, but, uh, diligently applying the lessons learned and, uh, techniques and strategies and philosophies to get, uh, success in their, in their local teams or clubs, um, both on and off the field because as you guys know, teamwork makes the dream work and the team keeps putting in that work. So if you had any questions for an 11 year old or 12 year professional soccer player now is the time to ask your questions. So drop your questions in the question box here. Um, go ahead and participate in the community as usual. We'll see who stops by throughout our time together. And we'll get to as many questions as possible as the questions come in. I answer them and if the questions slow down, we'll, uh, we'll close out the show.
Quincy Amarikwa (03:59):
So take full advantage. Let's see Liverpool, our, uh, uh, live our pool FC fan page that I deleted it on my phone, but couldn't log on back to my, uh, uh, POBA junior account unless I use my galaxy. So I use my Liverpool fan page. Oh, okay. So poke POBA is, um, live our pool FC fan page. Welcome from your other account account. Timmy pig 14 joined in what's going on, uh, Danny dot Oh five asks you definitely had yourself a game the other day against the lowest dose. Killed it during the game. Quincy I'm in your head. Thank you very much, Danny. I appreciate you guys tuning in to the game and, and, uh, yeah, checking it out. I appreciate the support and the love. And, um, for anyone who watched the game, uh, for anybody who watched the game, what stood out most to you about the game and the, the play let's see in wall, uh, I wait for your guys' feedback on that question.
Quincy Amarikwa (05:07):
I will jump into some of the questions that came in right here. So let's see what we got here. So for Fernando Denio, um, ask, do you train individually on the same day you have team practice? Yes. For the most part, um, I will do an individual training session every day. Um, unless it's a day that I've, I've designated for like a day off where I'm not doing anything in an individual session can be as simple as like stretch and foam roll and, um, region recovery to, um, a full lawn shooting session, individual ball work, dribbling, cutting pliers, uh, gym session workout, all that kind of stuff and everything in between. So, um, yes, I think it is important, especially if those of you are interested in becoming a professional player one day
Quincy Amarikwa (06:06):
Create a program for yourself, create a program for yourself that you can stick to you for the long term. So I just talked about this with the perfect soccer team on Monday, we have our team meetings every Monday and, uh, the theme was, I want everybody working at 60%, their max capacity every day. So it's the idea is that if you approach it that way over time, you'll build stamina. You build fitness, you'll build rhythm and you won't burn yourself out. So you'll be ready for when your opportunity comes. And there'll be moments where you need to maybe Quinckick it into 70%, 80%, 90%, or even a hundred percent. But yeah, but that's not required of you all the time at every moment in time. And that even ties to, with one of, uh, with one of my teammates that I was talking to you today at lunch was a about timing. You know, a lot of the game is understanding the right time to make certain actions. And, um, the game of soccer is simple, but we can make it very complicated. Um, you know, we can make it very complicated. So, so understanding that is, is crucial and understanding that it is very difficult to do the simple things well. So if you're focused in, on doing the simple things really well consistently over time, you are likely to find success. Um, at least the way that most people describe what success is.
Quincy Amarikwa (07:51):
Good question. Let's see what we got here. A D a I R a V a L O S said our ass side of college to play pro, should I play soccer in college or play outside of college play pro? Um, it depends the age that you're at, uh, with how I'm seeing the soccer landscape change. If you are a talented youth player who would be likely to be picked up by a college program, you're probably going to get picked up by a developmental Academy from, from one of these professional teams. Now, if you're not in a major market or an area where the developmental Academy is, then you're going to have to try to play at the highest level you possibly can get to you in your local area or even travel if that's available to you.
Quincy Amarikwa (08:42):
But yeah, if you don't have those options, then college is still your best route of getting scouted and seen a, the idea being that if you are good enough, you will be seen because you'll be playing games at that level and you should be dominating at that level, uh, to peak the eyes of coaches and Scouts to then make your way up the ranks. Now, is it harder to go pro from college then, like a youth Academy that's starting to trend towards? Yes, because a lot of these youth academies are being invested in by their clubs. So they're going to want to farm from their own system more than they're going to want to pull guys or girls from systems outside of their own. So you'll, you want to be mindful of that when you're making your decision, um, in which route you want to take. Having said all that
Quincy Amarikwa (09:36):
Education and the college experience is something that you cannot, um, duplicate. And I think a lot of players who are choosing to try to go the professional route are doing so without fully understanding what they're giving up by not going to college and college colleges an experience on the education piece, but more so this, the, the life lessons, the connections, the people, the friends, the relationships that I developed while I was there, that I wouldn't ever give up in exchange for a professional career. So if you were asking me Quincy, knowing what you know now and in the career that you had, um, would you trade in the experiences, the experience of college and all the people that you met there for your profession, the professional career that you had, if you had to pose that, um, hypothetical scenario to me, I would choose my college experience and career. That's where I went, met my wife. And, um, that's why I have my two beautiful boys now. So I would never change that for anything. And that wouldn't have, have happened. Had I not gone to the college route? So I share that because playing professional soccer is cool. It's, it's a goal of many players, but that's not all, that's not all
Quincy Amarikwa (10:56):
Of law that might be your life and what you want your life to be, but that's not all, that's not everything that life is and not what everything life could be. So be mindful of that. And it's difficult to know what you're giving up by making these decisions, but don't, don't make them lightly. So take the time to think through what what's best for you, what you think works for you after you've applied those three S's of self-awareness, you guys know what it is. Um, and if you don't know what I'm talking about, head over to perfect soccer skills.com/s S S um, somebody please type that in. So I can pin that to the bottom there. Um, because that is the, that is the system of thought that I use when I'm thinking through, uh, small decisions and big decisions. Let's see,
Quincy Amarikwa (11:50):
Trevor T R E V O R w I L I S underscore asks, what do you do to recover after a practice or game? Um, typically I'll ice bath and, um, sometimes I'll do contrast, but I prefer to just do straight ice bath. Uh, you can, you can do the bike a little bit. You, you puff pants. I don't know if that's the technical term for it, but they're the, um, the, the, the pants that you pull up your legs, and then they can press a massage if it's available, um, individual trigger, point stuff, stretch and, um, play, uh, body weight stuff, body weight exercises. Let's see where we got. Thank you, Joe. Um, pin comment.
Quincy Amarikwa (12:39):
What a grizzy welcome. Hey Ray. Welcome. Hey Ray, uh, Montreal impact means joined in what's going on. DeMar dots. S T S T R Y a. Yes. If what's going on Western Benny said by the time I see someone it's too late, so I'm assuming you wrote something. Yep. Okay, here we go. Let's scroll back up. So Western WST, O N dot B E N N Y said, and ass lately. I've been super slow because we have been training in super small area. And it's frustrating how, and it's frustrating. How can I play good in like type possession drills by the time I see someone it's too late. Uh, okay. So when the coach decides to make the space that you play in a lot smaller, typically the idea is to reduce the amount of time. You have to make a decision and doing so forces you to have to become more aware of what's around you and make decisions more quickly. So if you're having a lot of trouble making decisions quickly, then what is it that let's see, I'm trying to think of something that you can do that could be more helpful to you. Well, one,
Quincy Amarikwa (14:06):
Okay. So if you're letting your frustration make you angry to the point that you give up and you don't want to try anymore, then that's not good. Right? So if that's where you're at first, you need to accept that you're not at the level you need to be yet, but it doesn't mean you can't get there. So, except that you're not good enough right now, but that's okay because you're going to do the work to be good enough later. So by, by good enough, it means you're going to do the work that you need to do now. And as you do the work over time, you'll become good enough at a later time, right? So you're not going to be perfect today. You're not going to get it figured out today. It's also another thing I was talking about with some of my teammates here today.
Quincy Amarikwa (14:47):
Um, once you recognize there's something you need to get better at, then you have to in place a plan that you will execute on so that you can get better over time. And most players tend to try to do everything on the same day and figure it out and get perfect on on day one. And you can get extremely lucky and that could work out, but chances are it's going to be short lived. So having said that embrace the challenge as best as you can put yourself in uncomfortable and difficult situations, continue to demand the ball in tough spots and keep working at it until you can get yourself out of those situations. And if that means you have to get better with your first touch to create more time for yourself, do that. If that means you need to get fitter, so you can continually move off the ball. So you can outwork your defender, then do that. If you need to see two or three steps ahead of the players around you and your soccer IQ, then do that. But all those things I just talked about, the better you get at any one of those things, or the better you get at all those things, the more time you create for yourself in the field, the better decisions you make on the field and the slower the game seems to you. So
Quincy Amarikwa (16:11):
Yes, I identify what part of your game is lacking or missing and decide if focusing on getting better at that is more beneficial to you, or is focusing in on what you're extremely good at. The thing that you should just be completely dedicated and focused in on, but that's a decision that you have to make for yourself. But hopefully that gives you a few tools that you could use to, um, to get better. 50, 50, 50 ball podcast just joined in what's going on guys, pee dog seven, four, seven, McNasty 2002. Um,
Quincy Amarikwa (16:57):
Let's hear a little tired guys had a good training session today, been doing a lot of travel this week. And then we have a game tomorrow night, um, had a training session today. Let me see if we got it. Oh, let's see a winning squad, winning squad shirts versus skins today. You know, which team won, you guys know which team one to check out that in the middle, that's the victory picture from the team today, took it back old school. We didn't have the, uh, we didn't have the, what do you call it? The bibs, the bibs weren't out there. So we took it old school shirts for skins, and then we got the bibs halfway through. Um, it was good, good session today. The guys, um, are getting dialed in and, and I'm committed to just getting better each day, which is really good to see. Um, uh, I'm like in the group of group of guys we've got here and, um, I'm looking forward to continue to work with them here till the end of the season.
Quincy Amarikwa (18:03):
Uh, Joe Jackson,
Quincy Amarikwa (18:08):
As well, clubs allow you to have a clause in your contract that they will pay like a portion or all of your college education, if you go pro from an Academy or some other way. So it will let me re make sure I'm understanding what clubs allow you to have a clause in your contract that will, that they will pay for a portion or all of your college education, if you, ah, okay. Yeah. So you're asking if you went pro could you put in your contract, could you get a clause in your contract that says the club that you're going to, you will pay a portion or all of your college education, if, and when you decide to do that, and the answer to that is absolutely yes. 100%. All contracts are negotiable, fully understand that when most clubs or organizations say that they can't do something or data it's, it's not so much that they can't it's that they don't want to, or they're not willing to make the accommodations or changes or advocate to make that happen.
Quincy Amarikwa (19:03):
But if they want you bad enough and they want you to part of their organization in their program or whatever it is that they have going on, they are going to do their utmost to put things in place, put mechanisms in place to help you get what it is that you need to join their organization. So if you are thinking about going to the pro level and foregoing, um, a college career, um, or college education, I think it would be very, um, wise of you to have your agent or yourself if you're representing yourself or family member, in some cases, um, work to have some type of clause in your contract that, that, um, that the organization will allocate finance financial resources to your college education. I know, I know there's a lot of players who actually have that, but not as many players as you would realize, actually follow through with that. So a lot hat. So I won't say a lot, some have that clause or that mechanism many don't take full advantage of it. So if you're going to get that in there, make sure you're also utilizing it and doing that as well too, but that's a very good question.
Quincy Amarikwa (20:16):
Loving that.
Quincy Amarikwa (20:18):
Braheem what's up brother. Welcome. Thank you for stopping by. Let's see we got here,
Quincy Amarikwa (20:28):
Uh, FC J a I R O underscore for ass. Did you make hard sacrifices to your family? I'm assuming, you're saying, do you have to make a lot of tough sacrifices, um, with your family to make it into play at the professional level? And the answer to that is yes, you do. You, you might, um, you might have to give up time with your, your parents time with your girlfriend, your boyfriend, your fiance, your wife, your husband, your kids, um, your brothers, your sisters, your cousins, your nieces, your nephews, uh, because in order to get to a professional level and maintain a high level of professionalism, you have to dedicate a lot of time, energy, and resources to, to making that happen. It isn't something that just happens overnight, and it isn't something that doesn't require a lot of commitment. And a lot of that commitment requires your time.
Quincy Amarikwa (21:28):
And, um, it can be difficult not only on you, but your family members and those around you, because it can be very difficult for people to understand you and understand why you would make the sacrifices you're making. Um, because many of many, in many cases, they aren't making those same sacrifices themselves. And, um, because of that, that can become a very difficult road. It can become a very lonely road and it can, it will challenge you in many ways, but it will also give you opportunities to learn lessons and grow. So, um, it's practicing those three S's of self awareness there at the bottom. You see pinned at the bottom, um, to understand who you are and, and what you're willing to commit to you to become who you want to be. Um, so yeah, that's good. That's good. We, I don't think a questions of sacrifice hasn't come through the account before, so thank you for that one.
Quincy Amarikwa (22:28):
Um, J F R O M a J X dropped them I'm in your head. Emojis loving that. Uh, S a K H E R S. I said, I'm a coach. What advice would you give me to communicate with my players? Well, the first advice I would give is for you to go to that link that you see pin below by Joe Jackson, perfect soccer skills.com/sss, and get a full breakdown of the three S's of self awareness. That's, um, uh, my mentality talk to help players all get on the same page as to what it takes to accomplish a high level in the soccer world. That would be my first, my first, uh, piece of advice, um, for you with that, the second would be understand,
Quincy Amarikwa (23:25):
Understand that much of the knowledge that you have, that you want to share with your players has been earned through personal experience. So a lot of what you know is because you personally experienced it yourself. And I think something that can get become very difficult for coaches to accept or acknowledge or fully realize is many players. Won't be able to see what you're saying or understand what you're saying, because they have yet to experience it for themselves. So if you can focus on creating the experience you're going to, you're going to better help yourself set your players up for success. If you spend time being frustrated or angry with the fact that they don't get it, and they don't understand, rather than focusing in on why they don't get it and how you could help them understand, um, you're not going to make the type of progress that you'd like to make with them. Uh, and it, it typically will take much longer than you, you think it should, and you have to learn to be okay with that. That's where patients patient come patients comes in. But, um, yeah. Hope, hope that's helpful. It's great to see some coaches joining in and asking their questions as well, too.
Quincy Amarikwa (25:00):
Alright, so let's see. H U S S a I N N E X, T D O O R said, I took a break from soccer. Now, both my technique and fitness are rusty. What should I work on first? And that is very typical of everybody. Everyone takes a break after a while, and you lose a step or two. Um, those of you on the call, when was the, uh, how long did it take you to get back in shape or back to where you were before, when you took your last break from soccer? So like how long does it typically take you to get back in shape and get back up to speed with stuff? Um, I'd love to see, uh, how everybody else feels and how that works for them. Cause I feel like this is something that we all go through, but a technique or fitness though, technique technical drills and techniques, technique work is Mo more fun.
Quincy Amarikwa (26:03):
I would say you should always start with the fitness aspect. Cause the fitness is key to your ability to, to develop your technique and have technique for the entirety of the game. So for full 90 minutes, right, you could be the most technically gifted person in the world. And if you get super tired and then you can barely move your legs after five minutes, because you're super out of shape that technique doesn't do you too well. Uh, but if you had zero technique, but you could run a hundred miles per hour all day for the whole game for full 90 minutes, you might not be, you might not be, uh, impacting the game, um,
Quincy Amarikwa (26:44):
Like to the day,
Quincy Amarikwa (26:46):
The degree that a technical player does, but
Quincy Amarikwa (26:49):
That you can,
Quincy Amarikwa (26:51):
It could be fatiguing the other team for the entire time. And they're focusing energy has to be dedicated to you. So you can greatly impact the game for much longer duration of time, which gives the rest of your teammates more opportunities to create chances to score. So that's where I'm trying to, you know, put a little context into that, um, to understand why I say start with fitness first versus starting with technique, you can always do technique work. You can always get better at your technique. Um, but you'll be able to do more technical work if you are strong on the fitness side. Um, first and foremost, but that is a good one. Let's see, Teo, what's going on. Welcome. Welcome. Let's see what we got here. You've got a couple more coming in.
Quincy Amarikwa (27:43):
Three S E B a S I R O D R I G U E Z six, asked as a center back lacking first touch in ball control, which should I focus on more first touch and ball control? Well, first touch in ball control are the same thing. Like your ability to control the ball is tied to your first touch. So, um, if you don't see them as the same thing and it sounds, it's kind of seems like you don't, um, you look at them as two separate things, then first touch because you can't control the ball without having a good first touch. That's that's the nature of your first touch. So the best way to develop first touch is repetition, repetition, repetition, and, um, I think a quicker way to develop the technical. The technical ability in the first touch is to work with like a size one ball and get really good with controlling the game.
Quincy Amarikwa (28:38):
Get really good at controlling a size one bowl. Um, cause if you can control the size one ball, it should inherently become, it become much easier to control a size five ball, which is the official sized soccer ball that, um, you play with that the professor Joe dot Jackson 11 said, don't you also have a Quincy talks with the SSS presentation at bill Hamid's camp. Yes. Excuse me. So for those of you who have been tuning into the other shows that we've gotten up and running on the account, we've got Quincy talks, which is, um, which is basically we take a conversation, a one off live that I've done a podcast, a speech or talk I've done somewhere or, um, yeah. Or a zoom call webinar. And we pull the audio from that and we turn it into a podcast clip and we share that on, uh, perfect soccer radio and the three S's of self-awareness talk. Yes, Joe, we turned that into a Quincy talks episode. So if you're, if you're to find the audio version of that, you can find the Quincy talks, um, three S's of self awareness talk over on perfect soccer radio, as well as at the link below. I think that takes you to the YouTube replay, right? The video replay of that talk. But thank you, Joe. That was, uh, that is much appreciated.
Quincy Amarikwa (30:05):
Uh, Sebastian said it took, it, took him a year and a half to reach his peak fitness love that that means you were dedicated for time. How many, uh, how many people have been dedicated to getting to peak fitness over a year and a half? That is, that is some commitment. Uh, are you maintaining that fitness? Are you keeping it going or did you kind of let that fall by fleeting the pushup challenge? Um, and if anybody's still in the process of that, let me know where you're at, how far into it are you or did you end up having to start back over? Uh, the Luca underscore three said, Hey, Quincy, could you respond to my DM about my mom's questions? It's a bit of a longer one. Um, I have not seen your Dean DeLuca, but I will try my best to remember to check I'm.
Quincy Amarikwa (30:56):
I get a lot of DMS and I try to respond to them when I'm able, but I also have like a lot of emails and I got a lot of stuff that I'm working through. And, um, I, I'm still doing my best to be the one to respond to all messages on my personal platforms. Uh, but because I'm doing that, it does take me quite a bit of time to get back to everybody. Um, but as of right now, I get, I respond it's me. Who's personally responding to every single message and DM that comes through. So because of that, it can take me quite a bit of time to get back, um, to all the messages I'm still trying. I'm deciding if it makes more sense that I have someone help me manage the DM. So at least, um, everyone is getting a response, but I feel like a big reason that people are reaching out is cause they're trying to get a response from me.
Quincy Amarikwa (31:45):
So I don't let me know. Would you guys, would you rather, it, someone on the team on the perfect soccer team gets back to you and gets a response to you? Um, in a more quickly manners, let's say like within a week or is it better that you might end up having to wait like a month or two months before I can get back to all the messages? Like I said, I get a lot, so, and usually ends up taking me like two months to get back to everybody. So, which is better, which would you guys prefer? Perfect soccer team member within a week or me personally, but within, maybe in two months.
Quincy Amarikwa (32:24):
Um, let's see what we got here. Luca said not the first time that something happened during a game versus LA I'm in your head emojis. You already know. I'm trying to think. My last game was my last game. I'm trying to think of my last game in LA. I think my last game in LA, I had two goals. This was with the earthquakes when we played LA, that might've been, it hasn't been that long. It might've been, uh, what's his name played for them that day. I think it was his, was it his first match? First match. Steven Gerrard. I think that was that's his name, right? I think Steven Gerrard played for LA, right? I think he was his inaugural match and I scored two goals in that game. And now this is the next time I'm at LA galaxy stadium and got two assists. So there might be something in the air, a PG sports, Paul perfect soccer, audio engineer, joining in. What's going on, brother. Good to see you, Tony. A L I J I said, what up Quincy? What's going on? Serena joining in Serena. We're just, we're just speaking about you earlier. Um, let's see what we got here.
Quincy Amarikwa (33:51):
Okay. There you go. Uh, E L I E L underscore a R R O Y O. Asked, what do you do to deal with blisters on your feet? This is, that's a good one. Cause I, I got a bliss. I just got a blister on my feet because of the I'm wearing these. These are the two assists shoes, so we got to keep them going. Right. I don't know which version of nemesis. We've got the tech, the tech 3.0 tech. That's what you guys are seeing the tech come out, tech coming out in the game.
Quincy Amarikwa (34:30):
Uh, um, yeah, but I hadn't worn those in quite a while. So it gave me a blister. Typically what I do is I just ignore it to the best of my ability and tell it like calluses over and I'm okay. Um, but if it gets too bad and I can't, and I can't soldier through that, cause you just keep rubbing and opening it or like busting it, busting it open. Um, they've got those like little jelly pads. Uh, they're called Tufts skin. I think that's what they're called. But you, you peel them and they're like, like little gelatin pieces. You put that over there, tape over and you're good to go. Um, uh, Paul said hashtag Quincy to LA with the sunshine emoji like that. I mean, I am Kelly. I am Kelly, born and raised, uh, Mark, uh, Mark Tackett. What's going on brother. Good to see you. I said, dude saw the highlights from the Las Vegas game. Killing it. Thank you very much. Appreciate that. Um, yeah, just happy to get an opportunity to just get,
Quincy Amarikwa (35:38):
Get some good minutes under my belt. And I've been working with the guys here these last two weeks. So starting to build some connections with the guys and get an understanding of where everybody's at and hope to continue to contribute here, moving forward. So that's what you see on the screen. Uh, the team who won practice today, you know, you know which team one practice, that's the, uh, the skins, uh, energy, good vibes. Welcome. What kind of energy we got here? I like the energy. I've been watching a lot of YouTube videos and it was so helpful. Well, you're trying to call in, so I'm trying to buzz you in here. Let's see what's going on, man.
Quincy Amarikwa (36:31):
You got the good vibes while we're waiting joined. Hey yo, what's going on? Nothing. So, uh, so for the audience, what's your name? Um, and what's your name? How old are you and where are you calling from? Oh God, I only had product five at a party for connection. You said you're 25 and you're from Connecticut. You're cutting out there. You're cutting out there. There we go. Hold on Tennessee. Okay. Um, uh, uh, okay. I think, I think good vibes, internet connection. Wasn't uh, wasn't working too well, but uh, we're saying that they're from, they've been watching our YouTube videos and they they've been very helpful and, um, is calling in from Tennessee. So I appreciate you calling in from Tennessee. Uh, Yoshi, what's going on? I said my G yeah. What up, what up Kendall, Kendall cock soccer popped in as well too. Uh, Paul had said, when are you going to interview Serena? That's a good history to me. That would be good to do a husband, wife episode of the show. Uh, I'd say we do it now, but Serenas watching the poison. They probably, as soon as they'd see her or hear her talking, um, they immediately need all of mom's attention. Um, yeah, that's what Paul I'd seen that question. What are you going? When are you going to interview? We need to get that. We need to get that on the books. Maybe episode 100, maybe, um,
Quincy Amarikwa (38:55):
C uh, pigs underscore. Do you underscore fly underscore six? I like that name very optimistic, very optimistic. Uh, had asked, what is your favorite drill? Uh, my favorite drill is doing ball work with D size one ball. I prefer doing that. I feel like you get the most, you get the biggest bang for your buck, least amount of energy input, maximum energy output. And, um, that's where I, I spend a lot of my focus and time on trying to maximize every ounce of energy I put into something. Um, uh, Paul said, hopefully Serina, doesn't get mad at me for that. Uh, well, you'll have to ask her and see, see how she feels about that. Braheem said, hi, Quincy, what's going on, brother. Appreciate that. Appreciate you joining in, um, uh, Yoshi, Yoshi dot CCC said any pregame ritual. Um, my, my pregame ritual is kind of to not have any pregame ritual.
Quincy Amarikwa (40:04):
So I guess that that would be my ritual, right? So I don't want to be so reliant on something that it's necessary for me to perform on the day. So I'm not saying that that's the best approach and that that's the person that works for everybody. Most players, most, all players I've played with have some type of routine or ritual that they stick to every single game. Um, because that's what puts them in the zone. That's what makes them most comfortable. And I think each player should do what makes them feel most comfortable, um, and ready to go on game day. So when I, when I expressed to you guys would share with you guys what it is that I do, it doesn't mean that it's the only way or it's the best way. It's just the way I approached the game. So I looked at it like, I don't want to let, I'll give a specific, like, I know many players drink like a caffeinated drink or one of those, um, what do you call them?
Quincy Amarikwa (41:02):
Uh, energy drinks before games. Um, you know, guys drink coffee and stuff like that. I don't like, well, two ways I look at it, one, I don't like how caffeine makes me feel. So it like makes me, I get the jitters. Um, or yeah, I get the jitters. I've heard people use the term jitters. That's what it feels like when I'm, when I'm drinking caffeine. I don't really like, I don't like caffeine like that. So I don't like that feeling. So that's one reason why I don't do it. But on top of that, I don't like the idea of needing to drink caffeine to get up for game. So, but know many players do a lot of guys drink coffee, they enjoy coffee and they enjoy their energy drinks, drinking energy drinks before games or drinking them at all in general is that's a different conversation for another day. Those aren't necessarily things that you should probably be drinking. They're not particularly the best for you. Um, You know, teach their own. I, I acknowledge and know that many players do like to drink them. They prefer to have them and they feel that they need them to perform or do whatever. And that is fine. If that is what you want to do. Um, for me, I just didn't want to create habits for myself that I might not be able to stick to. So like, what do I do if I don't have the energy drink or it's not there, or I'm used to having my lucky underwear or my lucky socks or, um, you know,
Quincy Amarikwa (42:30):
Doing some, I just am always thinking just if I have to do something to get ready for the game, and then what happens when I don't have that available to me, I'd rather just not have to worry about that. So that's why we just developed the MSL mentality and mindset, which just means you adapt or die. You deal with what's coming and you, uh, you figure it out and, uh, no excuses, you know, just make it happen.
Quincy Amarikwa (42:58):
Oh, energy, good vibes. Ask, when are you going to post more YouTube videos? We are in the process of getting that stuff together. I'm in the team meeting on Monday with the perfect soccer team members. We talked about getting, tying a bow on all this on all the projects, that stuff that we've been working on for a while that have kind of, um, gotten away from us so that we can really get all of our content, uploaded, everything solidified and put away and squared away. So we can get back to doing the episodes and shows that, um, our followers really enjoyed. So some of those being tactical Tuesday and one skill, one drill, uh, videos, Ross did an amazing job for us with a lot of those original videos. But, um, hopefully we discussed with Ryan. So be pro manager for, uh, be pro general manager, um, about, uh, bringing that series back and, uh, getting that up and running again. And I think he'll be doing a lot more with incorporating the mini ball, the small mini ball, um, mainly cause that's, I really enjoy that type of ball work and skill work. And I see that as the path that gets me, um, you know, up to speed most quickly. So we want to get some training programs, uh, centered around that. Plus we've got the $5 mini ball special on the store, so, uh, tying it all together, but so, but hoping, hoping by Q4, we got that back up and running.
Quincy Amarikwa (44:25):
Um, let's see.
Quincy Amarikwa (44:34):
Cool. Uh, live our pool FC fan page to the day of the competition. I can't eat anything. I only drink water throughout the day and I'm good. And if I have a headband, I wear it. Okay, there you go. Like that. What do you feel? What do you feel the headband does for you? Uh, I've never worn a headband. Um, I've only seen a few places where it had been some players where the, you know, the, the concussion head gear, but not too many where the headband, I like that you might be branding yourself, something decent. There. A Sage of DBZ has any advice for taking abilities. You gained from training by yourself, in with you in the games to create the bridge from stuff you do yourself to you doing the in your game. Uh, let me reread that abilities. You gained from training by yourself, in with you in the game to create the bridge from stuff you do yourself to you doing that. Can you gain, I'm thinking, you mean what'd you gain from training yourself? How do you take the things that you're learning in implementing and working on yourself and execute on them in the game? Um, I'm gathering that. That is your question.
Quincy Amarikwa (45:54):
Um, I would suggest that your focus be training, the things that you see that you should be doing better to execute on in the game. So like if you're getting into positions, if you're getting into positions at the corner of the box to have a free shot on goal, but you keep shooting it over the goal, or you kick it straight to the goalkeeper or you take too long to shoot and the defender blocks it. Then when you're going and working on your own, you need to be recreating that scenario and working on techniques and repetition that addresses the problem that you keep seeing on the field so that you can, um, become comfortable in that space and have him gain, gain confidence and gain confidence so that when you do get on the field, when you get into that space, when you get into the scenario, it's like second nature to you. And, um, it's like a walk in the park. You're just doing what you always do and you're doing it well, and you're making it look easy. Um, and this what's going on. Welcome. Um, I keep referencing, I was talking to a lot of my, my teammates and teammates about a lot of this stuff. So like, like I said, a lot of stuff we talk about here is the same stuff I talk about with my teammates and my locker mates. When, um, you know, they're wanting to better understand what's going on or get better or figure out how to make that jump or get to the next level or improve their game. And, um,
Quincy Amarikwa (47:36):
It's, and I said it earlier in the call, it's really hard to do the simple things. Well, and when you're, when, when you're good, you make things look easy. So most people watch people who are of a high level and they think that they can do it because the people who are at a high level make it look easy. That's why they're good at what they do, because they can make it look so easy. Um, and that tends to be a mistake. I feel like, I feel like I did a post on my Instagram back when I was with Montreal or around that time, I don't have to go on my feed to look at it. But
Quincy Amarikwa (48:22):
It was basically saying, are you, are you someone who makes the mistake of thinking that because something looks easy, it is chances are the easier something looks, the more difficult it is to do and to pull off. And, uh, I think a perfect example of that is like starting a clothing, clothing brand, right? Like it looks pretty easy. It pretty, it is. You just come up with a name, an idea of something, you put it on a tee shirt, you've got a clothing brand, right? It is easy, but to have a successful clothes, the clothing brand wow, extremely, extremely difficult because it is so easy to do so many people can do it. So many people can get involved. It's very, very easy. The barrier to entry is extremely low. So when that is the case, one aspect of it can be and is extremely easy.
Quincy Amarikwa (49:14):
But to master it and get to a very high level of professionalism or proficient proficiency at that, in this case, the brand, uh, you know, coming up with your own clothing line and stuff, it's very, very, very difficult to do. And, uh, that's the journey you're setting out on. Uh, when you're, when you see something that you really like, you really enjoy, it looks easy and you want to participate in, um, but once you get to a very high level at understand that it's, it will require a lot of hard work, um, and, um, sacrifice and commitment on your point. I think a lot of that, a lot of the questions that come in today are very, very in alignment with where I guess, with where I'm currently at with, uh, with the lights right now, and getting integrated into the team and understanding the USL system and, uh, the teams and the play and, you know, um, how things operate now with COVID and yeah, well now I'm thinking about it.
Quincy Amarikwa (50:18):
This is my first time playing in the games with the new rules and the new protocols and the new systems and processes as a result of COVID. So a lot of players have been doing that for the last several months. Um, I've just now recently gotten into that in these last few weeks. So, um, compartmentalizing, everything to understand, um, where everyone is, where the organization is, where the organization wants to go, how it fits into this year, what's going to be going on in 2020 in general. Um, the, the trajectory of the team, like these are all things that are already in motion, but your job as a players to come in and to absorb and learn as quickly as possible and, and provide value the best ways that you can. Uh,
Quincy Amarikwa (51:10):
Okay.
Quincy Amarikwa (51:12):
A Sage of DBZ asked, why is it that when I play with better players, I start doubting my own abilities and wishing I was others. How do I fix this? Um, you can admire the skills and abilities of the players around you, but to be intimidated by them is a mistake just as they're good at things that they do, you are also good at things that you do, and that should be your focus. And if there's something that they maybe they're better at. So let's say you're really good at dribbling, but they're way better than you at dribbling rather than being intimidated or, or doubting yourself from that, look at what they do and how they do it and learn how you can improve what you do. So look at it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Don't look at it as an opportunity to hide and, and feel sorry for yourself or doubt yourself.
Quincy Amarikwa (52:11):
Um, I really just think it's as simple, it's, it's as simple as a perspective shift, but like I said, doing the simple things is difficult to do, committing to that perspective shift, committing to looking at every time someone's better than you or can do something that you can't as an opportunity to learn, to grow, to improve and get better is difficult because you always have to self reflect practice those three S's of self awareness. You see the link there at the bottom, perfect soccer skills.com/sss, um, recognize where you could be wrong or where you are wrong and how you could be better. And then coming up with a plan to get better, and then remaining committed to doing the work to become better and doing that consistently over time and tying that back to the beginning of the conversation, um, tying it into a plan that keeps you that, that maintains you at that 60%, your capacity level.
Quincy Amarikwa (53:04):
Um, if you can, if you can bridge all those things together and tie it together and create a plan like that, in my opinion, that is the plan that best sets you up for success, future success. It also helps you. It also helps you build a solid foundation. It helps you slowly ascend over time, which, which, um, allows you to build something with legacy and, um, and sustainable. And, uh, that's not everybody's plan, but if that's your plan and what you want to do, and that sounds good to you, that is the best way I've seen, um, an experience to go about doing it. So I'm happy to share, um, what I've learned along this now 12 year professional soccer career.
Quincy Amarikwa (53:56):
Brahim underscore K E I T said, hi, my bro. Does your mental health need to be ready? Every single game? I think. All right, battery's getting low. So, um, last couple of minutes here, uh, before Instagram will officially kick me off. So, um, this'll, this will be the last question of the day. Um, I appreciate everybody sending in their questions. There have been some great ones, and I'm looking forward to answering more of your guys's questions here next week. So if you didn't get your question answered here today, make sure you tune in next Thursday, cause we'll be back here. Same place, same time for next week's episode, but to round it off, round it out. Does your mental health need to be ready? Every single game? I would say no, it doesn't need to be ready every single game, but the goal would be to be mentally ready every game.
Quincy Amarikwa (54:59):
Um, you're going to have difficult times difficult moments in your career and in life. And that's going to negatively impact you and influence your ability to perform on the field or off the field and that's life that's. Those are going to happen, but being focused on doing what you need to do to maintain your mental health and mental wellness is, is important. And I think it is becoming understood more and more with every passing week, the level of importance of mental health, and I'm practicing, putting into practice means of mental exercise, mental fitness. Um, that's what this show basically is if you really think about it, right? And the San Marcel, the mental strength league, and we build mental strength over time and, um, remaining committed to something over time is how you, how you build the mental stamina to overcome and get through difficult times, uh, times like 2020, which has been a very unpredictable, uh, difficult time for many people. And, um,
Quincy Amarikwa (56:08):
It has,
Quincy Amarikwa (56:10):
And we'll create a lot of new industries, a lot of new ways of thinking a lot of new experiences and environments for people. But I think what is, what can be consistent through all of that is your perspective and how you choose to see the potential opportunities that will result from it. So, um, yeah, no, that's a great, that was a great last question. I liked that, uh, rounding it out here. Um, you know, mental strength also requires mental breaks, you know, and self reflection and just, um, unplugging as well too, which can, um, which can be difficult to do even for someone like, especially for someone like myself, um, I'm very focused and driven and, and sometimes you have to remind yourself and just like, I'm talking to you guys, I'm talking to myself right now. You have to remind yourself that, um, taking a break is, is also mental health, right?
Quincy Amarikwa (57:18):
Um, you can't go a hundred percent always. You can't be tuned in all the time. Um, you can, but as time goes on, you've got the law of diminishing returns. So, um, that is a reminder to me just as much as it is a reminder to the group. So Braheem, I appreciate that question. That's a great one to round it off. I'm seeing Joe Jackson said, uh, thanks for the great live Quincy, have a great weekend. I'm in your head. Thank you very much for joining me. I appreciate it. Say change of DBZ said appreciate the insight and knowledge are a big help. Of course. Thanks for joining in as always and asking your questions. The Lucas said, all right, peace coinci. Good luck in your next game. Thank you guys. Yes, it is tomorrow. Um, uh, yeah. Love to see, to hear you guys' feedback. After you watched the game, what your takeaways are, what you noticed, what stood out to you, what you felt I could do better or be better at or what you thought I did. Well, um, all of that. So I appreciate everybody joining in. I hope you got a lot out of today's episode and I will see everybody next week, same time, same place. And as always, I mean, you had later guys.