Can Young Athlete Train Their Brain to Perform Like a Pro? Visualization in youth sports works—and if athletes receive feedback in real time, they can improve their focus and performance, said Konstantin Sonkin, a neuroscientist and CEO at i-BrainTech. He developed a sports-specific training game platform that offers insights into … Read Sport Psychology Tip
When athletes’ identities are wrapped up in sports, they can experience pressure and high expectations. What’s more, they might become disappointed if they go to college and are no longer the stars they were on their high school teams, said Zedralyn Butler, author of The Mental State of Sports and … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Forty-two percent of children report being bullied by coaches or physical education teachers. Common bullying programs don’t work, said Tom Dahlborg, president and CEO of Dahlborg HealthCaring Leadership Group. Bullying can make kids depressed, anxious and even suicidal. Dahlborg is working to implement better anti-bullying programs, including creating a team … Read Sport Psychology Tip
It’s a myth that participating in youth sports will build character in young athletes, say Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski, authors of “Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports.” The problem: There are too many variables in youth sports to conclude that participating will build character. Referees … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Sports kids should push past challenges by focusing on incremental steps rather than the bigger end goal, said Dianette Wells, a world-class mountaineer, ultra-endurance athlete and author. For example, to prepare for a hike in Malibu, Calif., she focused on improving her time by a minute each time she hiked. … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Nobody Likes it When Coaches Yell at Them. Coaches should treat their athletes with respect. Unfortunately, events don’t always unfold as we would like. Coaches who yell feel as if it is a wake-up call and the best way to deliver feedback or instructions. Most of these coaches have no … Read Sport Psychology Tip