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thing I'd advise is to try to relax. Often when a player is making his debut or is due to play in a big cup or league match, they are so excited that they use up lots of nervous energy even before they get onto the pitch. Again, this can leave you feeling drained and impact adversely upon your subsequent performance.

Pre match moments:
Turn up on time, by which I mean at least fifteen minutes before the scheduled kick off time. At amateur level, players often turn up just as the match is about to kick off. This is useless as you don't get a chance to warm up or hear any pre match team instructions.

Listen to the coach if he gives a pre match team talk. Make sure you know what your role is and what's expected of you. Also try to get in the zone for the match, visualising what you're going to try to do when you get on the pitch.

Make sure you do a pre match warm up, including stretching exercises. This is important to help you limber up and avoid muscles strains. It's tempting just to kick the ball about but you'll find that all the best teams make sure that they do a structured warm up routine.

Finally, the kick off time has come and you're ready to run out onto the pitch. Hopefully, you are in peak physical condition and focused upon what you need to do. You will be feeling nerves now but (unlike earlier in the day) it's actually a good thing now. All top sportsmen and women talk about how they utilise nervous tension to achieve the sharpness and performance level that they are seeking. Hopefully now you will win the match and start to think about the next big game!

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