At Techne, we take pride in guiding players through their individual training journey. We give you the blueprint, but the work is up to you. What are you doing to improve outside of your team trainings and games? If your goals are better ball control, more confidence, and a higher overall level of play, what does your weekly training look like? How intentional are you about your development?
We’re excited to feature former professional player and current Flo 2.0 coach, Sabrina Flores. A New Jersey native, Sabrina played collegiately at Notre Dame before competing professionally with Sevilla (Liga F) and Gotham FC (NWSL). She now shares her experience and insight with the next generation, including right here on Techne. Below, we'll chat about individual training, mindset, and advice for players looking to elevate their game.
1 - When did you start training on your own? And how did it evolve through your youth playing days, through college, and into the professional level?
I started training on my own as early as I can remember; probably elementary school. I always found joy in getting in extra reps before or after team training, before and after school, or just to make my day better if I was bored. My twin sister and I both had a passion for soccer from the time we were little, and she was my training partner throughout a lot of my youth and college career. I was very lucky to always have someone to work with! We loved going out and doing extra: at the park, in racquetball courts, in our basement, or in our backyard. We didn’t need fancy equipment, just a ball and some space.
As I got older, the “extra” became more intentional. In my youth career, it was mostly about volume: i would count all my touches and try to get to a certain number. In college, it became more focused on sharpening weaknesses and refining details. At the professional level, it was about maintaining sharpness, staying technically clean, and constantly separating myself in the smallest ways.
The obsession I had with working on my craft stuck with me through my pro career and even now in retirement. I love spending time with the ball. It’s where I feel peace and mindfulness. It’s where I learn a LOT about myself: how I respond to frustration, how focused I am, how disciplined I can be. It’s also where I feel in control of my growth and progress, and that’s empowering.
2 - What advice would you give to players who should start training on their own but don’t have the motivation? Or who need to train more consistently outside team sessions?
I think the root of motivation starts with knowing your “why.” It’s very hard to consistently put yourself in discomfort if you don’t know what you’re working toward. If you’re struggling with motivation, ask yourself:
• What do I want?
• Who do I want to become?
• What will happen if I don’t do this extra work?
When your why is strong, your discipline gets stronger.
Also, training on your own doesn’t have to be long or miserable. It can be 20–30 focused minutes. It can be competitive with yourself. It can be creative and fun. The key is consistency, not perfection.
And remember: motivation comes and goes. Discipline is what carries you. Some days you won’t feel like it. Do it anyway. That’s where growth happens.
3 - Why was it important for you to train on your own and improve your skills, even as a professional?
At higher levels, the difference between players becomes very small. Everyone is talented. Everyone works hard. The separation often comes down to tiny margins: cleaner touches, quicker decisions, sharper execution under pressure.
If you want to stay at the top, or become the best of the best, you can’t rely only on team sessions. You have to take ownership of your development. You can never be “good enough.” There is always something to refine.
For me, training on my own wasn’t just about improvement, it was about standards. I held myself to a high standard, and the extra work reflected that. It built confidence too. When you know you’ve put in the work, you step onto the field differently.
4 - How did/do you hold yourself accountable? What tips would you give to players looking to hold themselves accountable?
First: I didn’t wait for someone to push me. I decided that I was responsible for my growth.
Some practical ways I held myself accountable:
• I scheduled my extra sessions.
• I trained with my sister or teammates when possible.
• I tracked what I worked on.
• I was honest with myself about my weaknesses.
I also connected my daily habits to my long-term goals. If I said I wanted to play at the highest level, my actions had to match that.
For players:
Start small. Set a realistic goal (ex: 3 extra sessions per week). Write it down. Tell someone. Track it. Build trust with yourself.
5 - For players working through drills and sessions in the Techne app, what would you say to players who (1) are struggling, vs. (2) find this “easy”?
No matter where you fall, these drills can benefit you.
If you’re struggling, slow it down. Break the pattern into pieces. Focus on clean touches before speed. Struggling means you’re growing!
If you find it easy, raise your standard. Go faster. Add more scans. Add a decision making element. Challenge yourself a little bit more!
I always tell players: make drills your own. Adjust the pace, intensity, or complexity to match where you are, but don’t stay comfortable. There’s always a way to level it up.
