perfectionism in sports

How One Coach Helped a Perfectionist Athlete

Ultimate Sports Parent Podcast

Breaking the Perfectionist Pattern Richard Burke, who has been coaching baseball, football and basketball for the last 12 years, recently told us how he used our Ultimate Sports Parent program to help a perfectionist pitcher.  “I had a 10-year-old pitcher playing on an 11-year-old travel team. He was doing really … Read Sport Psychology Tip

How to Avoid Comparison Trap for Sports Parents

Sports Parent: Avoid and Stop Comparing Your Athletes

Comparisons Hurt Athletes’ Confidence When we surveyed parents, we found that 23% said that kids judge how their teammates are performing instead of focusing on their own play. Focusing on others’ play will distract your young athletes from their own game, and can become a major confidence killer. In the … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Signs of Performance Anxiety in Young Athletes

Young Athletes Performance Anxiety

How to Help Young Athletes Enjoy Sports Many athletes limit their performance due to anxiety, tension, worry, and fear. Sports are supposed to be fun, not stressful for your athletes, right? Parents and coaches, we can help you identify when sports kids are suffering from anxiety–and determine how to help … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Mental Blocks in Youth Sports: When Kids Tank

Mental Blocks in Youth Sports

Do Young Athletes Have Mental Blocks? A sports parent says: “I have a 12-year-old son who is having major mental blocks as it comes to baseball. He feels the pressure to live up to the hype of making it to the World Series. His pitching has improved tremendously however in … Read Sport Psychology Tip

What To Say to Young Athletes After Mistakes

Communicating With Sports Kids After Mistakes

Communicating With Sports Kids After Mistakes A sports parent says: “I feel I need assistance with what to say to kids after they have made a mistake…” Learning to deal with mistakes is one of the most beneficial aspects of sports psychology, and will benefit your children throughout their lives. … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Building Confidence in Young Athletes

Building Confidence in Young Athletes

Helping Sports Kids Overcome the Fear of Making Mistakes A sports parent asks: “My daughter is 13 years old and is currently playing basketball. She is very athletic and has natural abilities but just doesn’t know it or use it. Her confidence level is not there. She gets in a … Read Sport Psychology Tip