How Self-Talk Boosts Change Your Game
Summary: Self-talk plays a major role in how young athletes perform under pressure. Negative inner dialogue such as “I can’t” or “I’ll never be good enough” can lead to doubt, low confidence, and poor results. To improve performance, athletes must learn to recognize how self-talk has impacted their past competitions, identify triggers that spark negativity, and take control before it spirals.
Sports kids can determine if self-talk influences their performance by thinking of competitions when they fell apart.
What were their thoughts before spiraling downward? Did they mentally beat themselves up over a mistake or tell themselves they have no talent?
Did they talk themselves out of beating a higher-ranked opponent or team with a better record? Did they use phrases such as “I can’t,” “I won’t,” or “I will never be able to?”
These are forms of self-talk. If young athletes recognize that there are times when their self-talk is negative and hurts their performance, then it is easier to accept that positive self-talk or productive statements can enhance performance.
To stop unproductive self-talk, sports kids should:
- Understand how their self-talk has impacted their past performances. In other words, kids should think of examples in practice or competitions when their self-talk hurt or helped their performance. Ask young athletes: What was your inner dialogue when you were competing at a high level? What were you thinking when you were off your game or feeling defeated?
- Identify game-time circumstances that usually lead to negative self-talk. When sports kids are aware of the circumstances that are troublesome for them, it helps them proactively take charge of their self-talk.
- During competitions, recognize when they start thinking negatively or are using self-defeating statements. To compete at a high level, athletes need to take control of their self-talk before it becomes detrimental to their performance.
- Have strategies to stop or counter negative self-statement. In addition, young athletes need to know how to change their self-talk and utilize productive, performance-enhancing language to compete at a high level.
- Be confident in their ability to implement this mental strategy. In other words, kids should practice using these strategies so they are easily implemented in competitions.
Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Bryce Huff knows how to control his self-talk…
Huff went undrafted in 2020 after a productive college career yet made the New York Jets roster despite criticism that he was undersized and was not projected to be an every-down player.
After a 10-sack 2023 season, the Eagles signed Huff to a three-year, $51 million contract. What helped Huff become a productive NFL player?
Instead of allowing negative opinions to infiltrate his mind, Huff focused on positive self-talk. Whenever Huff sees his reflection in a mirror, he has a conversation with himself.
“I tell myself who I am,” Huff said. “I say, ‘You’re the best. You can accomplish whatever you put your mind to.’”
Huff utilizes these positive affirmations daily to improve his confidence and prevent negative self-talk from hurting his game.To take control of their game, sports kids need to start with taking control of their self-talk.
They should create some affirmations or positive statements to build their confidence, such as “No one outworks me” or “I am a talented and gifted athlete.” The key to gaining confidence from these statements and improving performance is to be realistic and positive.
4 Ways How Self-Talk Boosts Confidence
1. Recognize How Self-Talk Impacts Performance
To improve mental toughness, young athletes must first recognize when negative self-talk has hurt their performance. By reflecting on past competitions, they can identify patterns of destructive thoughts like “I can’t” or “I’ll never be able to.” Understanding this connection is the first step to replacing negativity with positive self-talk.
2. Identify Triggers for Negative Self-Talk in Sports
Learning how to stop negative self-talk in athletes begins with awareness. Sports kids should pinpoint game-time situations that usually spark self-doubt, such as making mistakes or facing tough opponents. Recognizing these triggers helps athletes proactively prepare to stay positive under pressure.
3. Use Positive Affirmations to Build Confidence
Positive affirmations are a proven strategy to transform mindset and performance. Phrases like “I am a talented athlete” or “No one outworks me” give athletes a confidence boost and help them reframe challenges. Consistently practicing affirmations ensures they become second nature during competition.
4. Practice Self-Talk Strategies for Peak Performance
Just like physical training, self-talk strategies require practice. Athletes who consistently train their inner dialogue with constructive, performance-focused statements will gain confidence and resilience. This mental training helps them stay composed, focused, and competitive in high-pressure moments.
Related Kids Sports Psychology Articles:
- Self-Criticism In Youth Athletes
- How To Prepare Athletes Mentally Before a Game
- Mental Training for Young Athletes
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“The Confident Sports Kid” program is actually two programs: one that teaches sports parents how to boost their kids’ confidence, and another that teaches young athletes age 8 to 18 how to improve their self talk, avoid negative thinking, overcome expectations that limit confidence, and much more. The program will help kids boost their confidence in sports and life…and enjoy sports more.
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How Self-Talk Boosts Athletes’ Confidence
FAQ: How Self-Talk Boosts Performance
Q: What does self-talk mean in sports?
Self-talk refers to the inner dialogue athletes have with themselves during training or competition. These thoughts can either be negative, leading to doubt and mistakes, or positive, helping athletes stay confident and focused.
Q: How does self-talk impact performance?
Negative self-talk often creates anxiety, low confidence, and hesitation, while positive self-talk boosts motivation, focus, and resilience under pressure. Simply put, the way athletes talk to themselves can make or break their performance.
Q: How can young athletes recognize unproductive self-talk?
Athletes can reflect on past competitions and identify moments when negative thoughts—like “I can’t” or “I’ll never succeed”—hurt their game. By noticing these patterns, they can begin to replace them with affirmations that fuel confidence.
Q: What are examples of positive self-talk boosts?
Phrases like “I am strong,” “No one outworks me,” or “I can handle this challenge” are powerful examples. These affirmations remind athletes of their strengths and reinforce a winning mindset.
Q: Why should athletes practice self-talk strategies regularly?
Like physical training, mental strategies need practice. Consistently using positive self-talk boosts confidence and prepares athletes to handle pressure moments effectively during real competitions.
Kids Sports Psychology expert Patrick Cohn, Ph.D. has helped athletes for over 35 years to enhance their performance. Dr. Cohn earned a master’s degree in sports psychology from CSUF and a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, specializing in Applied Sports Psychology. Today, he is the president and founder of Peak Performance Sports, LLC in Orlando, Florida.