Kids in Sports

What Hurts Young Athletes’ Confidence in Sports?

Youth Sports Psychology

Instilling Confidence in Young Athletes We believe that confidence is the most important asset that leads athletes to sporting excellence. It’s critical for your kids to feel confident—to believe in their abilities—in order to realize their physical potential. Confidence helps them bounce back after mistakes, hang in there when things … Read Sport Psychology Tip

One Must-Have Mental Game Strategy to Help Young Athletes Excel in Competition

Youth Sports Psychology

Bringing Practice Confidence to Games in Youth Sports A sports parent tells us her son really shines on the field during practice. “He’s way beyond all the other boys in terms of technical and tactical skills during practice.” However, here’s the “but…” And it’s a big one. During a game, … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Bullying Expert Dr. Pickhardt Explains Why Kids Bully

Video of The Week

Why Do Sports Kids Bully? Judging from the many emails and comments we’ve received from sports parents and coaches lately, bullying is an important topic to you. It should be. Bullying is rampant in sports–and kids don’t like to talk about it. Whether you’re sports parents concerned about how your … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Help us Fight Bullying in Sports

Helping Sports Kids with “What if” Thinking

Taking Steps To Prevent Bullying in Sports Kids Bullying is an epidemic in our society today. Bullying is especially rampant in sports. A recent survey of high school students across the U.S. found that 48% of respondents had been subjected to hazing–a form of bullying in which kids are humiliated … Read Sport Psychology Tip

When Kids Drop Out of Sports Because of Little Playing Time

Young Athelte Mental Toughness

Positive Coaching in Youth Sports At first, Brian Sanders’ son enjoyed sports. He had a coach who gave all the kids equal playing time. The second year, the boy dropped out of sports altogether because the coach gave him—and other players—little playing time. “Kids drop out because of these negative … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Overcoming Young Athletes’ Resistance to Mental Training

Youth Sports Psychology

3 Reasons Why Young Athletes Resist Mental Training One sports parent recently asked: “How do I get my son to buy into the need for mental training? He is an extremely skilled player who lacks confidence but stubbornly is not open to mental training.” Whether young athletes are skilled or unskilled, … Read Sport Psychology Tip