Help Young Athletes Let Go Of High Expectations
When athletes are composed under pressure and can let go of mistakes quickly, they’re more likely to feel more in control and perform well.
In fact, like a lot of the mental skills we talk about, they can transfer this important skill from sports to other areas of their lives.
However, many kids lose their temper and composure after mistakes.
But you can help your young athletes have more composure when they feel out of control–rather than benching them or threaten to take them out of sports.
The first step is to identify the mental game issues that make it difficult for athletes to feel composed.
Let’s take an example of a mental-game challenge that causes kids to lose composure:
They can’t manage their own over-the-top expectations.
These kids often have high expectations about performance that can limit their potential.
These kids often get frustrated and lose composure when they don’t meet their high expectations–one of the most common challenges we see for young athletes.
Help these kids let go of their high expectations. Remind them it’s okay to make mistakes and encourage them to “just go for it.” You’ll find that they’re more composed and less frustrated with their performance.
Related Articles on Kids’ Mental Game:
- When Athletes Only Dwell on Post Game Mistakes
- Addressing Anxiety, Mistakes and Low Confidence in Youth Sports
- This Pro’s Mental Game Helped Her Overcome Physical Limitations
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We’re certain that, as a parent, you want to help your child develop confidence and discipline in sports and life. And as a sports parent, you’d love for your children to reach their potential in sports. But encouraging your child to strive for greatness without pressuring them can be a challenge.
You can get expert mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or phone call. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe.
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