What to Avoid As a Sports Parent If you want to know what NOT to do as sports parents and coaches, read on. We received this letter from a parent and former coach of a soccer player in the 10-12 –year-old age group. “My child’s coach has three assistant coaches … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Motivate Young Athletes Without Pressuring Them Sam, a Division III basketball player, says it’s hard for him to motivate himself unless his coaches are watching him and pushing him along. As a young athlete, Sam’s not alone. We hear from many parents who say that their kids of all ages … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Young Athletes And Keeping Composure As sports parents, it’s your job to understand anger management. That’s because anger erupts too often on the field or in the gym—and it’s always disruptive and destructive. That’s the word from Joe Bouffard, director of the Youth Football Coaches Association, a group that teaches … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Sports Kids’ Confidence Sources Do your young athletes seek approval from their peers and coaches in order to feel confident about their abilities in sports? That’s true of Miguel, a 20-year-old who has played basketball recreationally for many years. He says that when his confidence sinks, he counts on his … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Sports Kids’ And Making Comparisons What do you do when your young athlete’s confidence sinks every time a talented friend or teammate excels in sports? This is a common problem for young athletes. Kids are social beings—and they tend to compare themselves to their friends. But in sports, this is … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Young Athlete Maturity Levels And Confidence Should kids be grouped by maturity level? And will it help them have more fun or feel more confident? Dr. Gary Brazina knows what he’s talking about when he says some young athletes struggle with confidence because of maturity differences. He’s a sports dad, … Read Sport Psychology Tip