Helping Sports Kids Overcome Distractions
Let’s face it, all young athletes get distracted from time to time.
Some sports kids get distracted a lot-and don’t even realize it.
Here’s the problem:
Distracted sports kids aren’t focusing on what they need to focus on.
As a result, they often experience lower confidence levels and lowered performance.
What are the top distractions for sports kids?
Kids get distracted by worrying about what others will say about their performance, by thinking about results, such as the score, the win, or a possible loss, and by dwelling on past mistakes, to name a few.
But here’s the good news: Kids can actually learn to improve their focus and avoid being distracted.
You may think that focus isn’t something kids can work on, but it’s a skill, like other mental game skills.
First of all, help your sports kids understand that they can hone their focus and improve their enjoyment and performance in sports.
Confident, successful young athletes know how to focus and what to focus on.
They understand what “cues” they need to concentrate on. They understand what distracts them and can quickly identify when they’re distracted. What’s more, they can quickly get back on track so they don’t skip a beat.
Next, identify their common distractions. Explain that they may get distracted by external events–like dogs barking or a sudden rainfall. Or they may get distracted by internal events, such as worries about what others think of them.
From here, kids need to learn how to recognize that they’re distracted, and how to refocus quickly.
They need to focus on staying in the moment and concentrating on what needs to be done right now- preparing for a shot, being a great defensive player, or communicating well with teammates, for example.
If your sports kids are easily distracted and want to learn how to hone their focusing skills and boost their performance and confidence, check out our program, “The Focused Sports Kid,” which includes two programs, a CD and manual for parents-and a CD and workbook for sports kids…
Learn more here:
The Focused Sports Kid Workbook and CD Program
Related Articles on Youth Sports:
- How to Help Kids Get Back on Track When Distracted
- How To Refocus Quickly When Distracted
- Teaching Young Athletes How To Refocus When Distracted
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Help Your Young Athletes Improve Focus In Sports!
Are your young athletes easily distracted by people shouting on the sidelines? Do they obsess over their mistakes? Do they worry about what people think of them?
These issues will cause their concentration and performance to suffer!The Focused Sports Kid helps kids overcome distractions that can hurt their performance in sports.
The Focused Sports Kid program is actually two programs: one for sports parents/coaches that provides mental game tips especially designed for parents and coaches, and for young athletes, ages 8 to 12, that will walk them through 7 simple lessons in mental focus in sports.