Helping Young Athletes Stay Confident During a Shooting Slump
Summary
Every athlete will experience a shooting slump at some point. The difference isn’t talent—it’s mindset. Parents play a critical role in helping their child stay committed to the process, trust their preparation, and maintain confidence during performance dips.
Where do your child’s thoughts go when they are in a shooting slump?
Do they get frustrated and try to “fix their shot” mid-game?
Do they obsess over stats, numbers, or results instead of staying engaged in the game?
Do they beat themselves up after a miss instead of moving on to the next opportunity?
All athletes—whether they play basketball, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, or field hockey—eventually face stretches where scoring dips. Performance drops are a normal part of sports, even when preparation and effort remain consistent.
The challenge of a shooting slump is that there often appears to be no clear reason for the decline. Routines haven’t changed. Preparation hasn’t changed. Yet results don’t reflect the work. This disconnect can lead to frustration and self-doubt.
Sometimes clean looks don’t fall. Sometimes the ball rolls wide. Sometimes your child is slightly fatigued, distracted, or under the weather.
Athletes who regain confidence quickly aren’t the ones who panic or search for quick mechanical fixes.
Instead, athletes who bounce back—and parents who support them effectively—have three things in common:
- They stay committed to the process. They continue putting in the work during practice and maintain preparation standards even when results lag behind effort.
- They stay true to their identity. Elite competitors adopt a “Shooters shoot” or “Players play” mentality. Even after multiple misses, they continue looking for opportunities.
- They trust their ability. They rely on the preparation and repetitions they’ve built over time, regardless of recent outcomes.
During the 2026 NCAA season, Boise State University point guard Dylan Andrews experienced a 7-for-40 shooting slump over six games. The key to turning things around wasn’t overhauling his mechanics—it was trusting his preparation.
ANDREWS:
“I wouldn’t say I had lost confidence or anything like that. It was more so just trusting myself, trusting the work I put in the days I’m in the gym, the days I’m tired and still want to come in. I know for a fact those are shots I make in the game, the shots I make in practice.”
A slump is not a failure. It doesn’t mean your child has lost their skill or potential.
Athletes who play through a shooting slump with confidence don’t force solutions. They rely on preparation, stick to their identity, commit to the process, and trust that results will follow.
Parents play a powerful role in reinforcing this mindset.
3 Strategies for Parents to Help Their Athlete Through a Shooting Slump
1. Encourage Positive Habits
A slump tempts athletes to change everything—mechanics, routines, mindset. Instead, encourage consistency. Remind your athlete that their habits built their skill level. Staying patient and sticking to preparation builds stability and confidence.
2. Highlight Practice Success
Use practice as proof of ability. Point out made shots, good decisions, effort, and execution in practice. Reinforcing evidence from training helps athletes separate temporary results from long-term skill.
3. Reinforce Their Identity
Help your child remember who they are as a competitor. A shooter keeps shooting. A scorer keeps attacking. Identity-based confidence is more durable than result-based confidence.
Supporting your child through a shooting slump doesn’t just help restore performance—it builds resilience and emotional strength that lasts beyond the season.
FAQ – Playing Through Shooting Slumps
How long does a shooting slump usually last?
It varies. Some slumps last a few games; others extend longer. The key is maintaining preparation and confidence rather than forcing quick fixes.
Should my child change their mechanics during a slump?
Only if a coach identifies a technical issue. Emotional reactions often cause athletes to over-adjust unnecessarily.
What should parents avoid saying during a slump?
Avoid focusing on stats, missed shots, or comparisons. Emphasize effort, preparation, and trust instead.
Is it normal for confident athletes to experience slumps?
Yes. Even elite players experience performance dips. Slumps are part of athletic growth.
Related Youth Psychology Articles
- When Basketball Players Stop Shooting after Missing
- How Young Athletes Can Deal with Plateaus in Sports
- Tips for Playing Under Pressure
Sports Psychology Programs for Young Athletes
We’re certain that, as a parents, you want to help your child develop confidence and discipline in sports and life. And as a sports parent, you’d love for your children to reach their potential in sports. But encouraging your child to strive for greatness without pressuring them can be a challenge.
“Michelle had the best weekend of soccer she has ever played. She was relaxed, did not get frustrated with herself or teammates, and never once ‘shut down.’ Numerous parents noticed a difference in her composure and attitude. Thanks again for EVERYTHING… Michelle is in a very good place right now!”*
~Diana, Michelle’s Mother
