Kids in Sports Articles

Kids in sports articles and tips for sports parents, young athletes, and youth coaches to improve mental performance and overall consistency in sports.

Ensuring Kids are Focused, Immersed and Engaged in Youth Sports [Podcast]

Ultimate Sports Parent Podcast

Ensuring Sports Kids Are Focused Too often, sports kids simply go through the motions in youth sports, says Bobby Kipper, a former college coach and co-author of the book, “Performance Driven Thinking.” “The kids are there physically, but their minds are not there,” he says. “They’re not giving their all.” … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Can Athletes 5-10 Years Old Learn Mental Skills for Success?

Soccer Star eBook

Can Young Athletes Learn Mental Skills? We think it’s never too early to educate young athletes on mental game principles that will help instill confidence and success in sports as they grow older. Providing a foundation of mental skills can help your young athletes understand the importance of a good … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Is Your Young Athlete A Perfectionist?

Helping Sports Kids Boost Their Focus

Some young athletes hurt their performance because they are perfectionists. Perfectionism in sports does have some advantages for athlete. Perfectionists tend to be highly motivated, to work hard, and strive to be the best. However, perfectionism has its downside. Perfectionists often don’t perform up to their abilities because they’re afraid … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Athletes Who Use Steroids Negatively Influence Youth Athletes [Podcast]

Ultimate Sports Parent Podcast

Why Steroid Use is A Big Distraction for Sports Kids Steroid use is a big distraction for sports kids-even if they’re not using steroids (and we hope they don’t). Why? Kids read about top-level athletes using steroids. It’s in the news all the time. This directs their focus on the … Read Sport Psychology Tip

When Kids Worry About What Others Think—In Sports and Life

Youth Sports Psychology

What Should Sports Kids Focus On? Too often, kids worry about what others think of how they’re performing or playing. And of course, this worry affects kids in other area of their lives, too. If they can get it under control in sports, they may also learn to control it … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Addressing Fear of Failure and Perfectionism By Adjusting Athletes’ Goals [Podcast]

Ultimate Sports Parent Podcast

Fear of Failure in Sports Kids Courtney Johnson, a former silver Olympic medalist who is now a sports parent, says parents can predict what kind of mental game issues their kids will experience in sports-if they simply pay attention. And they need to pay attention, she says. Mental toughness is … Read Sport Psychology Tip