Youth Sports Psychology Articles

Why This Soccer Coach Undermines Kids’ Confidence

Youth Sports Psychology

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

Should Sports Parents be Their Kids’ Trainer, Nutritionist and Sports Psychologist?

Youth Sports Psychology

Motivating And Communicating With Young Athletes Mari, a sports mom of two successful kayakers, aged 13 and 14, says she’s her kids’ sports psychologist, personal trainer, nutritionist and much more. She contacted us to ask: Is she too over-involved in her kids’ sports life? After speaking with Mari, we concluded that … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Parents’ Role in Motivating Sports Kids

Youth Sports Psychology

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

High Expectations and Anger in Youth Sports

Youth Sports Psychology

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

When Sports Kids Rely on Others for Confidence

Youth Sports Psychology

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

When Your Sports Kid’s Confidence is Low Because Friends Excel

Youth Sports Psychology

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