What Do Pregame Jitters Mean? Summary: Pregame jitters are the nervous, jumpy feeling athletes get before competition — racing heart, sweaty palms, a knot in the stomach. They’re a normal sign that the body is gearing up to perform, not a sign that something is wrong. In most cases, jitters … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Money has always played a role in youth sports, from club fees and private lessons to travel costs and college scholarships. But as athletes gain access to name, image and likeness (NIL) income at increasingly younger ages, financial decisions are becoming part of the mental game, as well. Tom Henske, … Read Sport Psychology Tip
How Can Young Athletes Handle Criticism? Summary: Young athletes handle criticism best when they separate feedback from self-worth, look for the useful information inside it, and respond with a plan instead of an emotional reaction. These three habits turn tough feedback into a tool for growth instead of a hit … Read Sport Psychology Tip
For young athletes, the mental game is often about confidence, focus, resilience and staying present under pressure. But eating issues can quietly consume that mental space, affecting an athlete’s focus, confidence, identity and performance. Eating-disorders dietitian Adee Levinstein said that athletes face constant messages about nutrition, exercise, body image and … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Are Losses Devastating or Motivating for Young Athletes? Summary: A loss can be either devastating or motivating, and the difference comes down to how an athlete chooses to respond to it. Some kids let one defeat convince them they aren’t good enough. Others use that same defeat to sharpen their … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Stress, comparisons and pressure can quietly undermine a child’s love of sports unless parents learn to prepare for the emotional challenges that come with each stage of development, said Stephen Anderson, an athletic director, coach and founder of the Rising Athlete Project. “I see parents reacting to things rather than … Read Sport Psychology Tip