How to Succeed as an Underdog!

Leicester City have done what many view as an impossible task at the start of the season, by being crowned Premier League champions, a year on after nearly being relegated from the same league. A fairy tale that captivated the neutrals and romantics of football, it's very much a case of the underdog triumphing over the 'big clubs', to win their first ever Premier League title.

The Foxes' story will provide many inspiration to the smaller teams of sport but just how have they done it? Here are our top tips on how to succeed as an underdog!

Team Spirit

A big part of Leicester's success is down to the fantastic team spirit and teamwork at the club, with every player playing for the team and each other, rather than for their own individual benefit. It's important that your team has a similar kind of team spirit and that you are all working towards the same goal together; if players choose to focus on individual accolades, your team may not work together as well. By showing excellent teamwork and spirit, you don't necessarily need to have the best players!

Working hard

Working hard goes hand in hand with having a good team spirit and that's exactly what Leicester have done this season. Their players work tirelessly on the pitch, running their socks off and for your team to succeed, you must expect the same from your players. Make sure that they put in the effort in training, giving 100% so that you reap the rewards on the pitch. Implement the style that you want in training, get your players used to this way of play and this will pay off in a match situation!

Don't stop believing

Never give up! One philosophy installed into Leicester by their manager, Claudio Ranieri, is to believe. If your players think negatively when losing in a game, then you're most likely to not be able to get back into the match, so it's important that your players have plenty of belief! Encourage them to never give up (even when it may seem victory is out of reach) and keep working towards your goal - anything can happen in sport!

Quality

You may not have a Vardy or Mahrez in your team but with some hard work and mentoring your players, you could unearth some real gems in your team. By training and coaching your players well, you get your players up to a high standard of football. Why not use Sportplan for all your football coaching, with over 500+ drills for you to use in your next training session!

Get to work with your team using this tips and don't be afraid when you next play the 'big teams'; thrive as the underdog!

Top image credit Phil McIver on Flickr.