How Do Top-Level Athletes Hone their Mental Game? Scott Smith, an internationally competitive figure skater and the alternate in the 2006 Olympic games, recently sat down with us to give us his secrets. Smith, who was the only competitor to land a clean quadruple jump at the 2006 US Figure … 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
Sports Kids Too Focused on Social Approval If your sports kids worry about what their friends, team mates, parents, coaches and friends’ friends think of their performance, they’re not alone. This is a common challenge for sports kids—and a big confidence buster. For example, they may worry that their coaches … Read Sport Psychology Tip
The “I Want it Now” Attitude One of the biggest challenges sports kids face is a “I want it now” attitude, says Kirk Mango, a three-time Hall of Fame Athlete, National Champion and author of “Becoming A True Champion.” If kids are going to make the most of their youth … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Tackling Fear of Failure And Perfectionism If you and your sports kids are planning your New Year’s resolutions, we’ve got a good one for you: Try tackling the biggest mental game challenges most sports kids face. As we’ve mentioned before, fear of failure and perfectionism are the top challenges for … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Boosting Sports Kids’ Confidence What’s one of the most important things adults can do to boost young athletes’ confidence? They should help build a positive team culture, says Danny Cullinane, a coach and sports parent in England who lectures about sports development. He should know. He’s charged with the job … Read Sport Psychology Tip