youth sports psychology

Why Teenage Females Drop Out of Sports

Ultimate Sports Parent Podcast

Dropout Rates Among Female Athlete Young women drop out of sports—starting at about the age of 13—at twice the rate of young men, says Dr. Joan Steidenger, a licensed psychologist who works with athletes. Why? It’s all about their relationships, says Steidenger, who is writing a book about girls in … Read Sport Psychology Tip

When Young Athletes Worry Too Much About Others’ Opinions

Youth Sports Psychology

Sports Kids Too Focused on Social Approval If your sports kids worry about what their friends, team mates, parents, coaches and friends’ friends think of their performance, they’re not alone. This is a common challenge for sports kids—and a big confidence buster. For example, they may worry that their coaches … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Why Focusing Skills Are Critical for Young Athletes

Youth Sports Psychology

What Should Sports Kids Focus On? A sports mom tells us that coaches recognize her daughter, 13, who plays fast-pitch softball, could potentially be a Division 1 player. But she’s got a big challenge to overcome—a mental game challenge. In the sports mom’s words, this player gets too nervous on … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Helping Young Athletes Embrace Mental Training

Youth Sports Psychology

Mental Training Benefits For Kids Here’s one former sports kid who has lots of good things to say about the benefits of mental training: “Dr. Patrick Cohn, I am so happy to see you exposing the true potential and impact of mental training with children.  As a gymnast, I used … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Are Your Athletes Searching For Answers

Youth Sports Psychology

Sports Kids Who Fail to Perform in Competition Many parents and coaches contact us every day at Peak Performance Sports asking why their kids look like stars in practice, but fail to perform well in competition. Actually, failing to perform well in competition is the number one reason athletes seek me … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Helping Sports Kids Resolve Conflict to Boost Performance

Youth Sports Psychology

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