The 7 Biggest Mistakes Players Make at Winter Showcases (And How to Avoid Them)
Winter showcases are a huge opportunity but also where players make the most avoidable mistakes. Cold weather, unfamiliar fields, rushed schedules, and nerves can all pull a player away from what actually matters.
Here are the seven most common mistakes players make at winter showcases, and how your daughter can avoid them.
❌ 1. Trying to “Be a Hero” Instead of Playing Their Role
Winter showcases make players feel like they need to impress in every touch.
That usually leads to:
forcing shots
taking on three defenders
trying risky passes
playing outside their strengths
College coaches hate this.
What coaches actually want:
clean play
decision-making
reliability
simple, smart soccer
Fix:
Play your game. Make teammates better. Don’t chase highlight moments.
❌ 2. Not Communicating on the Field
Silence kills recruiting chances.
Showcases are chaotic. Communication becomes even more important in winter.
Coaches watch:
who organizes
who calls out pressure
who helps teammates
who fixes shape
Fix:
Over-communicate. Simple cues:
“Turn!”
“Man on!”
“Switch!”
“Drop!”
A loud, decisive player stands out more than a flashy one.
❌ 3. Poor Warm-Up or Barely Warming Up at All
Cold weather makes warm-ups twice as important.
The biggest red flag coaches see?
Players who jog through warm-ups and take 10 minutes to get into the game.
Fix:
Arrive early
Layer properly
Progressive warm-up (jog → dynamic → touches)
No long static stretching
Gloves, headbands, hand warmers if needed
Warm-up habits signal maturity and preparation.
❌ 4. Playing Nervous or Too Tight
Winter showcases feel “high stakes,” especially before June 15.
Players often:
freeze up
avoid the ball
play too safe
stop taking smart risks
lose confidence after one mistake
Fix:
Focus on rhythm, not perfection.
Shake off mistakes fast.
Make the next simple, confident play.
Coaches recruit mentality more than moments.
❌ 5. Poor Body Language (Coaches Notice Everything)
This one surprises parents.
Coaches track:
reactions after mistakes
interactions with teammates
how a player carries themselves between plays
warmth toward coaches or staff
Slumped shoulders, eye rolls, silent frustration are all recruiting killers.
Fix:
Smiling, encouraging, bouncing back fast.
Positive body language stands out more in winter than any other season.
❌ 6. Not Adjusting to Weather or Field Conditions
Winter = uneven turf, slick grass, wind, cold legs.
Players who rigidly stick to their normal style struggle.
Fix:
Adjust early:
tighter passes
quicker decisions
safer switches
anticipate bad bounces
quicker defensive reactions
Coaches notice adaptability instantly.
❌ 7. No Follow-Up After the Showcase
Winter showcases aren’t the end. They’re the beginning.
Most families skip follow-up entirely.
Fix:
Within 24–48 hours, send coaches:
a thank-you
one short clip from the weekend
a reflection ("I focused on ___, next I’m improving ___”)
your next schedule
This simple step dramatically improves visibility.
⭐ Final Thoughts
Winter showcases reward:
simplicity
communication
maturity
decision-making
adaptability
consistent mentality
Avoid the common mistakes, and your daughter will stand out for all the right reasons.
If you want a complete recruiting roadmap, including timelines, email templates, ID camp strategy and communication scripts, check out the College Soccer Recruiting Playbook.
👉 Download HERE