How to Help Sports Kids Overcome Pressure in Sports
The further into the World Cup we go, the more exciting it gets.
As any sports parent knows, when games get more exciting, the evil twin of excitement rears its head: pressure.
The nerves of even the greatest athletes in the world are on fire during these games, just as they are for your sports children.
The only difference between your sports kids and the best players in the world is the pros have strong mental game skills, which they developed over years of practice dealing with these pressures.
When your sports children feel big game pressure, they will likely play anxiously and make mistakes.
They are more likely to take these mistakes out on themselves and blame themselves when things go wrong.
They lose confidence and can retreat into anxiety, playing slow, confused, and generally under performing, while having no fun.
These big games are meant to be the most fun, so what could be going wrong?
It’s common for kids to suffer from fear of failure during big games…
Fear of failure is common, but the specific fears that support the fear of failure can be irrational.
Maybe kids worry that parents will care for them less if they do not perform up to expectation. Maybe they worry about making you or their teammates proud and think making any mistakes would make you angry or disappointed.
They could be worrying about how the coach will not like them anymore if they don’t perform up to expectations.
The point is, they are stuck in a mindset of worrying about making mistakes and worrying about what others think.
The truth is, parents’ expectations don’t even need to be high in order for sports kids to feel pressured. They put the pressure on themselves, especially during big games.
To help your sports kids excel during big games, focus them on what matters: the game.
Explain to them that you never expect perfect games and neither does anyone else.
If they do make mistakes, make a flushing sign, telling them to move on, as recommended by the Positive Coaching Alliance.
Remind them to focus on the next play or shot. Say that you want them to have fun.
Help them focus on the here-and-now, not on the score or win.
The worry and anxiety is about the outcome.
Learn how to help your kids mentally prepare before games with our audio and workbook program,”10-Minute Pregame Prep:”
Related Articles on Youth Sports:
- Finding Balance To Reduce Sports Pressure
- Is Setting Goals Too Much Pressure for Young Athletes?
- Concussions Impact on The Mental Game of Sports
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The Composed Sports Kid
“The Composed Sports Kid” audio and workbook digital download program for young athletes and their parents or coach helps kids cope with frustration and anger in sports. Help your sports kids learn how to manage expectations and let go of mistakes so they can keep their head in the game.
The Composed Sports Kid system is really two programs in one–one program to train parents and coaches how to help their kids practice composure, and one program that teaches young athletes–ages 6 to 13–how to improve composure, let go of mistakes quickly, have more self-acceptance, and thus enjoy sports more!