Youth Sports Psychology Articles

Youth sports psychology articles and strategies for sports parents of young athletes to improve mental game and performance.

Helping Sports Kids Commit to Growth [Podcast]

Ultimate Sports Parent Podcast

Overcoming Setbacks in Youth Sports Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Rob Barber, president of USAthletic Baseball, which provides baseball training programs. Barber, who has coached a number of baseball players who went on to become major league players, talks about helping kids commit to developing as players. That includes ensuring … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Helping Young Athletes Avoid the Blame Game After Setbacks

How to Care About Athletes’ Mental Health

The Blame Game in Youth Sports When your sports kids get a bad call from a ref, lose a game when it’s raining or make a bad pass when a dog is barking, do they blame the ref, the rain and the dog? If so, your kids need to learn … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Boosting Confidence in the Face of Little Playing Time

Youth Sports Psychology

Playing Time And It’s Influence on Sports Kids What do you do when your sports kids suddenly get less playing time? Or if they never got much to begin with? If it hurts their confidence—and often it will–you can take concrete steps to boost your kids’ mental game. “Three of … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Why Talent is Over-rated in Youth Sports [Podcast]

Ultimate Sports Parent Podcast

Strong Mental Game Skill in Youth Sports Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Kirk Mango, a coach, national champion, 3-Time All-American, Hall of Fame Athlete and writer working on a book, “Becoming A True Champion” about why talent is over-rated. In this week’s Ultimate Sports Parent podcast: Mango talks about why … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Why The Mental Game is as Important as Talent For Young Athletes

Youth Sports Psychology

The Importance of a Good Mental Game Talent is over-rated in youth sports. That’s the word from Kirk Mango, a youth sports coach, national champion, three-time All-American and Hall of Fame athlete. As a young athlete, Mango didn’t stand out as being especially talented, he says. But he was passionate … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Why Kids’ Self-Confidence Suffers When Sports Parents Make Comparisons

Youth Sports Psychology

Parents Comparing Sports Kids Sports parents, you need to stop making comparisons. Only then will your kids stop taking part in this confidence-busting activity. Ah, but it’s so tempting to chat with your kids, spouse and neighbors about how Johnny’s free-throw shot is a little crooked compared to your kids’ … Read Sport Psychology Tip