Building Confidence in Young Athletes Can Sports Build Character in Athletes?. It’s a myth that participating in youth sports will build character in young athletes, say Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski, authors of “Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports.” The problem: There are too many variables … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Sports kids should push past challenges by focusing on incremental steps rather than the bigger end goal, said Dianette Wells, a world-class mountaineer, ultra-endurance athlete and author. In sports, overcoming challenges is not just about physical strength, but also a mental game. For instance, when faced with setbacks, athletes often … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Why Coaches Yell at Athletes? Summary: Coaches often yell at athletes because they believe it is the best way to get attention or deliver a wake-up call. Many lack effective communication skills and don’t realize the negative impact yelling has on young athletes. When coaches yell, athletes may shut down, … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Young athletes realize a number of benefits when they embrace growth mindsets, said Iuri Melo, a youth sports coach, licensed clinical social worker and co-founder of SchoolPulise, which texts youth positive psychology statements to support their mental health. These kids tend to be optimists who try harder, for longer periods … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Research shows that girls in sports’ identities can become too wrapped up in sports, according to Marlene Holmes, a mental health advocate, sports social worker and regional director at Netball America. “What the research shows is that for young boys, when they are introduced to a sport before the age … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Confidence is Key in Youth Sports Summary: Athletes boost confidence by balancing self-belief with managed expectations. High pressure to win or perform perfectly often leads to distraction and reduced focus. Kids should learn to focus on controllable factors such as effort, execution, and mindset instead of outcomes.Warning signs like “I … Read Sport Psychology Tip