Confidence Busters in Youth Sports Sports, at any level, are a game of confidence. Kids who have tons of confidence usually will rise above the competition. Under pressure, these kids’ performance will thrive because of their strong belief in their ability. We receive many emails from concerned sports parents stating that … Read Sport Psychology Tip
One important challenge for sports kids today is a phenomenon called social approval. Young athletes often worry too much about what others may or may not be thinking about them. Young athletes want other to hold them in high esteem: They want to be accepted, respected, or liked by others. … Read Sport Psychology Tip
“Get Ready” Routines Some of the biggest mental game challenges for sports kids are distractions. When they’re practicing, playing or performing, kids get distracted when they worry about what others’ think of them. They also get distracted when a dog runs onto the field. Some kids get distracted when their … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Embracing a Coaching Philosophy In a recent survey by Youth Football USA, 69 percent of respondents said that their main concern was the quality of youth coaches, says Joe Bouffard, active director of Youth Football USA. The survey respondents had good reason to be concerned, he says. But first an … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Here’s a really tough question for sports parents…. If a youth sports coach yells at his young athletes a lot, but his teams always win AND his team members generally seem happy, is he a good coach or a bad coach? That’s a question recently posed in a blog that’s … Read Sport Psychology Tip
In a recent survey of more than 700 sports parents and youth coaches, 40% of respondents told us that their kids struggle with doubts and negative thoughts about their performance. In addition, 70% of sports parents reported that their biggest challenge is understanding how to help their kids get the most out of their talents without pressuring their sports kids.