What’s One of the Biggest Confidence Killers for Sports Kids?
Beliefs they hold to that undermine their confidence.
They include:
- High expectations (I have to score 20 points in the game today).
- Negative names they call themselves (I’m not quick enough to play point guard).
- “I can’t” statements (I can’t shoot 3-pointers).
- Goofy beliefs (I only score goals if I’m wearing polka-dotted underwear).
Maybe your young athletes don’t wear polka-dotted underwear. But we bet your sports kids have displayed some, if not all, of these tendencies from time-to-time. If they haven’t, they’re not human!
Here’s the good news:
You can help them identify and overcome these beliefs.
First, they need to look at the types of beliefs we mention above.
They then should identify some of the ways their thoughts and feelings fall into these categories.
For example, your sports kids might say, “I definitely have the ‘I can’t statement’ problem. I’m always telling myself I’m not quick enough to play defense.”
Once you’ve helped your sports kids identify these beliefs, you want to help them replace these beliefs with more positive ones.
For example, your kids might tell themselves, “I’m too small to be a smarter.” Have them change this to: “I’m really quick and have good hands. The team needs me for these abilities.”
Then, when they’re practicing, make sure they stay tuned in to their negative beliefs. They should remind themselves to replace them with more positive, realistic ideas.
It may take time, but tell them to be patient. They can’t change their thinking overnight!
The tip above is just one of the helpful pieces of advice we give you and your sports kids in “The Confident Sports Kids: A 7-Day Plan for Building Self-Confidence in Young Athletes.”
Related Articles on Kids’ Mental Game:
- How This Sport Builds Confidence and Focus in Kids
- How Social Media Hurts Sports Kids’ Confidence
- Addressing Anxiety, Mistakes and Low Confidence in Youth Sports
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