How do I get back into peak shape?

Good day. Before anything else, I would appreciate some constructive advice, provided it is shared respectfully.🙂 To give you some context, I began my soccer career at a small club back in the Midwest, where I played for quite a long time, starting when I was just seven years old. By chance, I eventually moved up to play for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, and later joined Louisville City FC. Just when it seemed like I might actually make something of myself, a tragedy occurred within my family, which effectively broke me. I simply wasn't the same person anymore; I lost my way and fell into some bad habits. A few months ago, I went in for a trial with the Philadelphia Union, but naturally, I didn't make the cut. I feel as though I have sabotaged my own potential. So, my question is this: how does one return to their former form? For clarity, I am 17 years old.🙂

Daniel Hill said:Good day. Before anything else, I would appreciate some constructive advice, provided it is shared respectfully.🙂 To give you some context, I began my soccer career at a small club back in the Midwest, where I played for quite a long time, starting when I was just seven years old. By chance, I eventually moved up to play for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, and later joined Louisville City FC. Just when it seemed like I might actually make something of myself, a tragedy occurred within my family, which effectively broke me. I simply wasn't the same person anymore; I lost my way and fell into some bad habits. A few months ago, I went in for a trial with the Philadelphia Union, but naturally, I didn't make the cut. I feel as though I have sabotaged my own potential. So, my question is this: how does one return to their former form? For clarity, I am 17 years old.🙂

Get yourself a strength and conditioning coach, work on your footwork and raw power—or explosiveness, depending on what your specialty was—and just commit. I’m not even talking about getting back to your old level; you should actually end up better because you’re still a kid. That’s the foundation for pro soccer. All the tactical knowledge in the world doesn't mean squat if your movement radius is tiny and you're getting bullied off the ball easier than a Slovenka.

Obviously, don't overdo it or you'll burn out, which is why I'm telling you to find a real coach. Also, find a club to play for—thank God there are plenty of them around Washington, D.C.—set a goal, and dedicate your entire lifestyle to it. It’s really that simple. 😬

Look, you’re only 17. You’ve got plenty of time, but honestly, you’ll be better off getting a head start on your training. If you’ve got the coordination and the technical skills down, you’ll see how much you mature as a player over the next five or six years. You still have time to sharpen those basics. Focus on your speed—sprints, explosiveness, all that stuff. You need to build that foundation now, or you'll never catch up.
And do yourself a favor: quit the smoking. Same goes for alcohol; save it for special occasions at most. If you keep drinking regularly, you'll find it gets old pretty fast anyway.

Just don't overdo it right out of the gate. Start slow, and eventually, your body will start craving the workout. Trust me on that. Just keep your motivation steady. Meditate, clear your head, stay encouraged... whatever helps you stay in the game, just don't quit.
Man, if I could go back to being 17 again... If you really have talent, you're going to regret walking away from this.

If you're 27, this whole thing actually matters. You're young. You're clearly an athlete. You can get in peak shape in just a few months if you put the work in.