As the new year approaches, there’s no better time to set your sights on building habits that will elevate your performance both on and off the pitch. At Conor Thomas Academy, we believe that success is rooted in consistency, discipline, and a willingness to push yourself to new heights. Whether you’re a professional athlete or just starting your journey, adopting the habits of elite performers can transform your game.
Here are five key habits that elite athletes follow—and how you can make them part of your routine this year with the help of CTA.
1. Commit to a Consistent Training Routine
The foundation of every elite athlete’s success is consistency. They don’t just train when they feel motivated—they train according to a structured plan that builds their skills, strength, and stamina over time.
How We Can Help You:
At Conor Thomas Academy, we provide a clear pathway for improvement, with training sessions designed to challenge you at your current level while preparing you for the next.
Whether you’re working on technical skills or game intelligence, our tailored programs help you train with purpose and consistency.
This New Year:
Use January to set a realistic training schedule and stick to it. Mark your sessions in your calendar and treat them like an unmissable appointment.
2. Prioritise Recovery and Rest
It’s easy to think that training harder and longer is the key to improvement, but elite athletes know that recovery is just as crucial as training. Rest allows the body to repair and adapt, making you stronger and more resilient.
How We Can Help You:
Our coaches adapt each session so whether you’re coming back form an injury, have an important match the next day or are in your off season, the session will be just right for you.
Our coaches have valance first hand knowledge to passed on. We’ll help you understand how recovery strategies like foam rolling, dynamic stretching, and proper hydration can supercharge your progress.
This New Year:
Set a goal to prioritise recovery. Build rest days into your training plan and focus on improving your sleep quality—7-9 hours of rest each night can make a huge difference.
3. Fuel Your Body Like a Pro
What you put into your body has a direct impact on your energy, focus, and ability to perform at your best. Elite athletes see food as fuel—they choose nutrient-dense options that help them sustain peak performance.
How CTA Can Help You:
We educate our athletes on the importance of sports nutrition and hydration. From pre-training snacks to post-match recovery meals, we can guide you toward healthier choices that make you feel and perform better.
This Christmas:
With all the festive treats around, take a balanced approach. Enjoy your favourite foods, but also start building habits like eating whole, natural ingredients and staying hydrated. It’s all about balance!
4. Develop a Strong Mental Game
Physical ability is important, but elite athletes know that success starts in the mind. Resilience, focus, and confidence are what separate good players from great ones.
How We Can Help You:
At CTA, we don’t just develop your physical skills—we work on building mental toughness. From goal-setting to handling pressure in matches, we train athletes to think and perform like winners.
We emphasise visualisation techniques, self-reflection, and maintaining a growth mindset to help you bounce back from setbacks.
This New Year:
Challenge yourself to think differently. Spend time visualising your goals for the year and practice mindfulness exercises to stay focused on the pitch and beyond.
5. Embrace Continuous Improvement
Elite athletes never settle. They constantly evaluate their performance, seek feedback, and refine their approach to stay ahead of the competition. Improvement isn’t a one-time event—it’s a lifelong process.
How We Can Help You:
With personalised coaching sessions, we analyse your strengths and identify areas for growth, providing week on week feedback.
Have a fantastic Christmas and we look forward to seeing you all in the New Year! 🎅
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