Youth Athletes

Youth athletes kids sports psychology articles for athletes, sports parents, and team coaches to improve performance and perform better. Read articles for sport parents.

How Sports Can Build a Child’s Confidence

How Sports Can Build a Child’s Confidence

Building Confidence in Kids Some athletes seem to ooze confidence. They appear unfazed during championship games, in the final minutes of a contest or when trailing late in a game. Why do these athletes have unwavering confidence? Is there something in their DNA that generates confidence? Confidence is not genetic. … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Helping Young Athletes Focus on Mental Health

Kids Sports Psychology for Parents and Young Athletes

Our brain tends to lean toward negativity. “The brain doesn’t understand today the difference between protecting us from a lion or a snake and protecting us from emotional states,” said Debbie O ‘Connell, president, Live Positive and Golf Positive and vice president, LPGA Northeast section. The brain tends to embrace negative emotional … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Grit and Discipline Lessons for Young Athletes

Kids' Sports Psychology Podcast

Without grit and discipline, young athletes won’t be successful, said Cary Knox, retired head coach and author of I Believe, which explores the legacies of Illinois sports legends. “You have to be gritty to be successful in just about anything you do,” he said. “You have to have a willingness to get … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Nutritional Recommendations for the Young Athletes

Kids' Sports Psychology Podcast

Adolescent runners are still growing and developing, and it’s critical to support their growth with nutrition that promotes bone health, muscle development, brain health and cognitive development, said Michele Pettinger. a certified fitness and nutrition specialist and the author of The Young Runner’s Guide to Nutrition. Pettinger discusses how parents can … Read Sport Psychology Tip

How Gifted Athletes Can Best Navigate Youth Sports

Kids Sports Psychology for Parents and Young Athletes

Gifted kids often focus exclusively on sports and fail to make friends or participate in other activities, said Susan Williams, a clinical hypnotherapist at SportHypnotherapy.com. Parents and coaches need to encourage them to try other activities and to develop a circle of supportive friends, she said. She uses hypnotherapy to put … Read Sport Psychology Tip