Patrick Cohn

Patrick J. Cohn, Ph.D., earned his Ph.D. in Education from the University of Virginia in 1991, specializing in sports psychology, and founded Peak Performance Sports in 1994. Dr. Cohn is an author, professional speaker and one of the nation’s leading mental game coaches. His coaching programs for young athletes instill confidence, composure and effective mental strategies that enable athletes and teams to reach their performance goals.

What Motivates Kids (Without Pressuring Them)?

Youth Sports Psychology

Motivating Sports Kids “My young athlete seems to love sports, but just doesn’t apply himself. I remind him every day to practice more and concentrate more, but that doesn’t work. How can I motivate him?” This is a question we often get from parents. They say their kids love sports, … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Teaching Sports Kids to “Go For It” When They Lack Confidence

Youth Sports Psychology

Coming Back After Injuries in Youth Sports One sports mom writes us to say her 12-year-old soccer player is too timid, backs off too often, dwells on her weaknesses, and performs better in practice than during games. Part of the problem, the sports mom says, is that her daughter is … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Top Confidence-Building Tips from a Former NBA Coach

Youth Sports Psychology

The Biggest Confidence Challenges for Young Athletes They immediately focus on the negative side of the feedback that coaches are trying to give them. That’s the word from Hal Wissel, a basketball coach who has worked for numerous NBA teams, is founder of Basketball World, and author of “Basketball: Steps … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Helping Sports Kids Who Worry About What Everyone Thinks of Them

Youth Sports Psychology

Social Approval in Sports Kids Sports kids worry about what their friends will think when they lose a ball, commit a turnover, or goof up. And that’s just the beginning of young athletes’ worries. They worry about what coaches and friends will think when their parents yell on the sidelines. They … 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

Sports Mom Fights Bully Coach and Changes the System

Athletes who dwell on mistakes after games

What to Do When Your Sports Kid is Bullied By Coach Holly didn’t realize until it was much too late that her swimmer son was being bullied by his coach… By the time Holly understood what was going on, her top-rated son quit his team and gave up his dream … Read Sport Psychology Tip