What Christian Pulisic’s Summer Off Reveals: 4 Smart Training Tips for Every Player

4 Steps to a Successful Summer of Training

By Diego Bocanegra – 25+ year college soccer coaching veteran

Was Christian Pulisic right to take the summer off from the USMNT?

Some fans were shocked. Others applauded the move. But the short answer? Only Christian knows what’s best for him. He had a clear plan—and he made adjustments to protect his long-term goals. He’s prioritizing rest and recovery this summer to make sure he can peak at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

And that’s the lesson for every player, whether you're competing in youth leagues or preparing for your college season: success doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from doing what’s right for you.

This summer is your chance to grow. But not just technically, tactically, and physically—mentally and emotionally too. Below is the same process I used to help my college players show up fresh, prepared, and confident when preseason kicked off.

1. Build Your Road Map

Start with your team calendar—games, tournaments, practices, breaks. Then build your own plan around it.

• Layer your personal plan on top. Supplement team sessions without overloading—aim for quality, not “grind-time” bragging rights.
  
  
• Schedule recovery and “soccer vacations.” A day at the beach or a weekend away prevents burnout and keeps motivation high.
  
  
• Train your mind daily. Visualization, breathwork, and journaling sharpen focus without adding wear-and-tear.
  
  

College-coach tip: We gave each player a summer blueprint based on what they needed most—some needed more fitness, others needed mental breaks. One size never fits all.

2. Make Early Adjustments

Everyone starts the summer with high expectations. But if you're exhausted or overwhelmed by week two, adjust your plan early.

• Dial back intensity or frequency. Swap a hard sprint day for technical ball work or a mental-skills session.
  
  
• Add recovery. Ice baths, mobility, or simply a full rest day can reset your system.
  
  
• Listen to data and feelings. Soreness, sleep quality, and mood are signals—respect them.
  
  

The goal is consistency. Not burnout. Once things feel easy again, gradually ramp up.

3. Recruit an Accountability Partner

Even the best in the world—Messi, Serena, Kobe, Simone Biles—have someone in their corner.

• Teammate: Share plans, trade progress texts, and push each other.
  
  
• Coach: Ask for periodic check-ins or film review.
  
  
• Parent or sibling: Even simple daily questions—“How was training?”—keep you honest.
  
  

When you voice your goals, your brain’s social-reward system fires up, boosting follow-through and making obstacles smaller.

4. Celebrate Your Successes

Every win matters—big or small.

• Beat your juggling record? Celebrate.
  
  
• Showed up to all your planned sessions this week? Celebrate.
  
  
• Recovered well from a tough day? Celebrate.
  
  

Recognizing your success builds confidence, reinforces positive habits, and keeps your brain focused on growth—not just on what needs fixing.

Final Takeaway

Christian Pulisic isn’t “soft” for skipping the summer. He’s smart. He knows that the grind without rest is a recipe for burnout—not brilliance.

Your summer training should be purposeful, balanced, and personal. Build your plan. Make smart adjustments. Stay accountable. And don’t forget to celebrate along the way.

When the new season begins, you’ll be ready to rise—not just because you trained hard, but because you trained smart.

🧠 Mental Health Tip for July

Boost Performance by Training Your “Recovery Muscle”

Taking a true mental break from what matters most—soccer, school, work—isn’t laziness; it’s a learned skill. Perfection-driven players often grind nonstop because pausing feels riskier than pushing on.

Reframe the pause as productivity.

• Old approach: “You’re working nonstop—take a break.”

• Better approach: “Let’s make your effort more efficient. Science shows brief, regular breaks keep your mind sharper and your body fresher, giving you more output for the same work.”

Start with short resets: a five-minute walk, breathing exercise, or quick stretch every hour. Track how alertness, mood, and focus rebound afterward. As athletes experience the gains, they’ll build trust in scheduled rest, strengthening the mental-recovery muscle that fuels both performance and long-term well-being.