Changing Sports Kids’ Focus Young athletes want to feel like winners – whether or not they are always scoring and beating their opponents. Sports parents can help their kids feel good about their experiences simply by taking the focus off the win. David Jacobson, a spokesman for the Positive Coaching … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Dealing With Others Jealousy How do you help young athletes whose dreams in sports are undermined by others’ jealousy? In the case of Lela’s son, Frank, it’s a big challenge. Frank is a high school student and Olympic-caliber athlete in track. He is ranked nationally for his event and age group. … Read Sport Psychology Tip
By Lisa Cohn and Dr. Patrick Cohn Just how can practices improve young athletes’ confidence? And what does this mean for you as a sports parent? Longtime coach Marty Schupak, founder of Youth Sports Club, has lots to say about how efficient, engaging practices can boost kids’ confidence in sports. … Read Sport Psychology Tip
How To Handle Positive Encouragement Hi, Dr. Cohn here from The Ultimate Sports Parent. This past weekend I took my 9-year-old daughter to play her 4th tennis tournament as a rookie. She played two matches total. She lost the first match, but stayed very composed. Afterward, I did everything by … Read Sport Psychology Tip
By Lisa Cohn and Dr. Patrick Cohn Mike, a sports dad to an 11-year-old who plays high-level baseball, is worried about his son’s confidence. Jim’s baseball coach often singles Jim out for making mistakes. As a result, the kids on the team also comment when Jim makes mistakes. Mike says … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Often, we hear from sports parents who say that their young athletes seem to stop trying after they make a mistake or two during a game or performance. Suddenly, they seem worried, tense and are playing or performing in a tight manner. Many sports parents are perplexed by their kids’ … Read Sport Psychology Tip