Think of Mistakes as Learning Opportunities There are numerous advantages to kids’ embracing a growth mindset in youth sports. Kids who have a growth mindset tend to see mistakes as opportunities for growth. They rarely say, “I can’t do this.” They generally don’t feel “stuck” but instead feel as if … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Instilling Positivity in Youth Sports We recently spoke with KC Wilder, a former collegiate All-American in cycling, a mental training coach and Positive Coaching Alliance trainer. “Young athletes are likely to be happier in a positive environment,” says Wilder, who is also a sports mom. “We are raising confidence and … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Can Young Athletes Learn Mental Skills? We think it’s never too early to educate young athletes on mental game principles that will help instill confidence and success in sports as they grow older. Providing a foundation of mental skills can help your young athletes understand the importance of a good … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Coming Back After Injuries in Youth Sports One sports mom writes us to say her 12-year-old soccer player is too timid, backs off too often, dwells on her weaknesses, and performs better in practice than during games. Part of the problem, the sports mom says, is that her daughter is … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Social Approval in Sports Kids Sports kids worry about what their friends will think when they lose a ball, commit a turnover, or goof up. And that’s just the beginning of young athletes’ worries. They worry about what coaches and friends will think when their parents yell on the sidelines. They … Read Sport Psychology Tip
External Distractions For Sports Kids When kids are distracted by the disagreements they have with their friends, opponents or coaches, they don’t perform well in sports. They don’t enjoy it as much or learn as much. If they’re thinking about fighting over a guy, or being angry with a friend, … Read Sport Psychology Tip