Some young athletes hurt their performance because they are perfectionists. Perfectionism in sports does have some advantages for athlete. Perfectionists tend to be highly motivated, to work hard, and strive to be the best. However, perfectionism has its downside. Perfectionists often don’t perform up to their abilities because they’re afraid … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Why Steroid Use is A Big Distraction for Sports Kids Steroid use is a big distraction for sports kids-even if they’re not using steroids (and we hope they don’t). Why? Kids read about top-level athletes using steroids. It’s in the news all the time. This directs their focus on the … Read Sport Psychology Tip
What Should Sports Kids Focus On? Too often, kids worry about what others think of how they’re performing or playing. And of course, this worry affects kids in other area of their lives, too. If they can get it under control in sports, they may also learn to control it … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Fear of Failure in Sports Kids Courtney Johnson, a former silver Olympic medalist who is now a sports parent, says parents can predict what kind of mental game issues their kids will experience in sports-if they simply pay attention. And they need to pay attention, she says. Mental toughness is … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Staying Tough in The Face of Bully Coaches We’ve warned you over and over that it’s critical to protect your young athletes from bullying in youth sports. The firing this week of Mike Rice, Rutgers basketball coach, for physically kicking players, throwing balls at them, and verbally abusing them is … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Dropout Rates Among Female Athlete Young women drop out of sports—starting at about the age of 13—at twice the rate of young men, says Dr. Joan Steidenger, a licensed psychologist who works with athletes. Why? It’s all about their relationships, says Steidenger, who is writing a book about girls in … Read Sport Psychology Tip