If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering what sets successful sports traders apart from the rest. Well, we’ve asked ourselves the same question for years. Since 2018, we’ve not only observed and studied top traders, but we’ve also applied their routines ourselves — and continue to do so every single day.
Spoiler: it’s not just talent or a magic system. It’s habit. Discipline. Routine.
☀️ 1. Sports Traders Start Their Day with the Markets
The most successful sports traders don’t wait for the market to hit them — they wake up and go straight to it. Whether it’s scanning early odds, reading market sentiment, or reviewing overnight news (team updates, injuries, etc.), they start with a market-focused mindset.
It doesn’t mean waking up at 5 AM and taking a cold shower. But it does mean creating a habit around checking the markets consistently — like your morning coffee.
📊 2. They Track Everything
Winners keep score. The best sports traders log every trade — odds, stake, timing, outcome, volume, market reaction, and even their thoughts before and after the trade.
This is how you create your edge. It’s not enough to win — you need to know why you won.
📎 If you’re serious about this, check our article on creating a bets tracker to help you build this habit step by step.
📚 3. Sports Traders Dedicate Time to Learning
The market evolves, and so must you. Whether it’s watching videos, reading articles (like this one), or joining community discussions, top sports traders never stop learning.
They’re not just searching for the next strategy — they’re sharpening their thinking, adapting to new trends, and feeding their intuition.
At FTA, we’ve been sharing free educational content for years to help you do exactly that.
⏳ 4. They Wait for Quality, Not Quantity
Patience is a superpower. Successful sports traders don’t chase action — they wait for trades that meet their criteria. That might mean no trades on certain days.
They understand that trading is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s better to take 1 good trade than 5 average ones.
📆 5. They Review and Reflect (Even When Winning)
Most people only reflect after a loss — but the top traders review every day. What went well? What could be improved? Did I stick to my plan?
They don’t let winning days get to their head or losing days break their spirit. They reflect. They adjust. They grow.
🧩 6. Sports Traders Build Their Own Routine
What works for one trader might not work for you. The best sports traders build a routine around their life, their mindset, and their market.
But one thing is constant — they have a routine. This isn’t a hobby. It’s a system.
If you currently have a day job to support your sports trading hustle, build your routine around it. Set a first big goal to earn the same amount per month.
⚠️ Let’s Be Honest: It Feels Like a Side Job
This is the part people rarely tell you.
Being a sports trader isn’t always glamorous. You’re watching odds all day. Charts during weekends. Reading team news at dinner. Reviewing stats while others relax.
You can’t go watch a Champions League match at a bar with your friends every week. You need to trade, to be focused on the markets.
This is the truth. It’s not about enjoying the full match on your couch while cashing in. Only in commercials you see that…
We have been doing this for a very long time already. It’s like any other job. And since 2018, when we started sharing our journey through Football Trading Academy, it’s been two jobs.
We don’t sell dreams. We don’t sell strategies. In fact, we do this all for free — and we even pay for tools, platforms, and educational material to keep it going for you.
Why?
Because we enjoy it. Because it matters. And because we believe in truth and transparency in sports trading.
Final Thoughts
Habits build consistency. Consistency builds confidence. And confidence leads to success — in trading and in life.
👉 So, if you want to become a better sports trader, don’t just search for the best system. Build the right habits. One day at a time. One habit at a time.
