How Should Sports Kids View Pregame Warmups?
Often, young athletes’ confidence sinks if they don’t do well during pregame warmups.
They mistakenly think that if they goof up a shot or drop a ball during warmups, they won’t do well during the game.
Perfectionists often embrace this idea, and are too hard on themselves during warmups.
It’s important that coaches and parents help sports kids understand that warmups are just warmups: A chance to wake up and loosen up their bodies.
Truth is, athletes need to feel confident based on their months or years of training. It’s not a good idea for them feel as if they’re only as good as their last play.
Often, if they perform or play in the morning, they’re still half asleep. Once they start playing or performing, their adrenaline will kick in and help them focus.
Be sure to tell them, “You don’t have to win warmups! Trust that your adrenaline will kick in and carry you once the game begins!”
Be sure to listen to our podcast with mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn, who explains how kids—and parents—should think of pregame warmups:
Here’s what parents and coaches say about our resources:
“Kids’ Sports Psychology is quite a find. It’s a treasure trove of practical, insightful information presented in an organized, simple format that is so easy to use. It is exactly what I was looking for to help my daughter succeed in competition, as much as she succeeds during practice. Additionally, these concepts can be applied to all areas of her life and, as her parent, I can’t stress enough how important it is to me, that she develop confidence, and how valuable this resource is to that end. Thank you so much!”
~Stephanie Dobbs, sports parent
Help your young athletes feel confident before, during and after their games or performances!
Related Articles on Youth Sports:
- Communicating With Sports Kids During Car Rides
- Helping Perfectionists Overcome Fragile Confidence
- How Athletes Can Stop Overthinking
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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!