Sports psychology articles and tips for sports parents, young athletes, and youth coaches to improve mental performance in sports.
By Lisa Cohn and Dr. Patrick Cohn Mike, a sports dad to an 11-year-old who plays high-level baseball, is worried about his son’s confidence. Jim’s baseball coach often singles Jim out for making mistakes. As a result, the kids on the team also comment when Jim makes mistakes. Mike says … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Often, we hear from sports parents who say that their young athletes seem to stop trying after they make a mistake or two during a game or performance. Suddenly, they seem worried, tense and are playing or performing in a tight manner. Many sports parents are perplexed by their kids’ … Read Sport Psychology Tip
By Lisa Cohn and Dr. Patrick CohnOne sports parent began training his son at the age of four to become a pro football player. The dad quit his job to facilitate his son’s coaching. The boy is now 12 and spends 10 hours per day training with his father.When is … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Building Confidence in Young Athletes How can parents and coaches fill a young athlete’s “emotional tank?” Coaches need to praise kids five times before they provide one piece of constructive criticism, says David Jacobson, a spokesman for the Positive Coaching Alliance, based at Stanford University. “We liken a child’s emotional … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Performing With Trust And Freedom in Youth Sports Do your sports kids excel in practice, but freeze up in competition? Do they have a hard time just being spontaneous and free when they compete? If so, you might need to help your child trust his or her athletic ability… Freezing … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Did you know that 75% of all young athletes drop out of sports by the time they are 13? They drop out because taking part in youth sports is no longer enjoyable for them. What factors might lead young athletes to drop out? First of all, they might be playing … Read Sport Psychology Tip