Coach Arturo Solis – Former Cornell Soccer Captain, Current High School Soccer Coach

Getting to know Arturo Solis as an athlete

Coach Solis’s journey into sports began with his college soccer career, where he developed a meticulous approach to both mental and physical preparation. Visualization played a significant role in his routine. Before home games, he would spend about 45 minutes on the soccer field without a ball, running through the patterns he expected to execute during the game. This included visualizing himself distributing the ball and defending as a center midfielder. By mentally rehearsing these scenarios, he felt as though he had already experienced the game, giving him a sense of confidence and preparedness. This practice not only honed his tactical skills but also helped him stay calm and focused during actual games.

Psychological Outlooks and Preparation as an Athlete

To manage pre-game nerves and stay present, Coach Solis employed mindfulness techniques and breathing exercises. He focused on being present in the moment by paying attention to small details like putting on his shin guards, setting up his socks, and lacing his boots. This mindfulness practice helped him control his heart rate and prevent his mind from straying to thoughts about his opponents. His pre-game routine differed from his practice sessions, which were designed to hype him up and maintain focus on the present task. In contrast, his pre-game routine saw him go through a 10 minute game simulation without the soccer ball, meaning that he would go through all the motions that he would go through in the game, including sharp movements, runs, and tackles. Not only did this warm up get him accustomed to the movements and motions that he would be doing in the game, but it also was a great way for him to practice active visualization, giving him an edge over the competition when the game actually begins. Coach Solis’s self-talk strategy was crucial during tough moments. He practiced positive self-talk to quickly recover from mistakes and avoid a negative spiral. He emphasizes to his players the importance of supporting themselves mentally during challenging times, as this ability to rebound quickly is critical for their development and success.

Approach to Coaching High School Soccer

As a coach, Solis integrates his experiences as a player into his training methods. He believes in training at game speed, with sessions that are quick, intense, and filled with distractions to simulate game conditions. This approach ensures that game day feels familiar and reduces the likelihood of surprises. He sets high demands during practice, with short, timed water breaks to keep the intensity high. This method helps players develop the ability to solve tactical problems quickly and efficiently, a skill he refers to as “solving the puzzle.” He also emphasizes the importance of team chemistry and psychological resilience. By focusing on meaningful goals beyond just winning games, such as building camaraderie and trust within the team, he helps players develop a supportive environment where they can thrive.

Key Takeaways: Visualizing Success

From the interview with Coach Solis, several unique insights emerge. His detailed pre-game visualization routine, where he spent 45 minutes running through game scenarios without a ball, showcases the importance of mental preparation. His use of mindfulness and breathing exercises to stay present and manage nerves highlights the value of psychological strategies in athletic performance. His focus on precision over perfection, both mentally and physically, underscores the need for athletes to maintain a positive self-talk routine and quickly recover from mistakes. His coaching philosophy, which involves training at game speed and creating a supportive team culture, demonstrates the significance of preparing athletes for high-pressure situations and fostering a positive, resilient mindset. These practices provide valuable lessons for athletes and coaches, emphasizing the importance of holistic development in sports.