The Advantages of An Inside-Out Mindset For Young Athletes
Too often today, young athletes are motivated for the wrong reason, says Kirk Mango, a former Division I gymnast who is now a coach and sports parent. He says many athletes seek external rewards, such as trophies, admiration from coaches and parents, poularity, and scholarships. The problem with what he calls an “outside-in” mindset: The rewards are fleeting, and don’t sustain young athletes, he says. “When you value something from the inside,... [Read More...]
What Hurts Young Athletes’ Confidence in Sports?
We believe that confidence is the most important asset that leads athletes to sporting excellence. It’s critical for your kids to feel confident—to believe in their abilities—in order to realize their physical potential. Confidence helps them bounce back after mistakes, hang in there when things get tough, transfer the skills they learn in practice to competition, and much more! “You still have to have confidence. If you don’t have... [Read More...]
One Must-Have Mental Game Strategy to Help Young Athletes Excel in Competition
A sports parent tells us her son really shines on the field during practice. “He’s way beyond all the other boys in terms of technical and tactical skills during practice.” However, here’s the “But.” And it’s a big one. During a game, she says, you wouldn’t know her son excels in practice. Does this sound familiar? Do your sports kids have trouble transferring skills from practice to games? Read on to... [Read More...]
How One Athlete’s Confidence Thrived–With A Little Help
Jane’s 10-year-old son was a talented golfer who fell apart during competitions. Like many perfectionists, he had high expectations and became easily frustrated if he didn’t meet them. How did this young athlete transform his mental game and performance in short six months, even winning a regional tournament in southern Spain? The Answer may surprise you. Read on to find out… Jane’s son’s challenges, Jane says, were twofold.... [Read More...]
When Should Young Athletes Start Mental Training and Why?
“Is my 9-year-old too young for mental training?” asks one sports parent. It’s clear, she says, that her son has some mental game blocks. “In practice he is one of the best players on his team, but his confidence in games is low—he seems very tentative and willing to let others do the work (out of) fear of failing.” Our answer: Kids are never too young to be exposed to mental toughness training. What’s important is how you expose... [Read More...]
