Sports parenting and youth sports psychology articles for sports parents of young athletes to improve mental game and performance in kids
The Benefits of Backyard Play Gary Simmons, author of “Gymbag Wisdom,” and a sports performance specialist who concentrates on teens, has some interesting anecdotes to share about the athletes he works with in high school. The top players he deals with are not the ones who play on traveling teams. … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Are You A Distraction? Brenda knows she makes mistakes as a sports parent. Not only is she willing to talk about her mental game no-nos. She’s eager to work on them and improve her sports parenting skills. Read on to learn about how she undermines her daughter’s skating and what … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Pre-Game Butterflies in Youth Sports Pre-game butterflies are good for young athletes…Pre-game fear is not. That’s the word from Twan Russell, a former Miami Dolphins player and current Director of Youth Programs for the Dolphins. “We tell kids, ‘Be nervous.’ That anticipation prepares your body for what you are going to … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Young Athletes And Self-Doubt Doubts can creep into your sports kids’ beings without them even knowing what’s happening to them. A player might step onto a basketball court, see a big player swoosh the ball, then start wondering, “Can I really make my shots?” Once kids open the door to … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Homeschooling And Youth Sports Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Andrea Leib, a former teacher who is founder of stayontrack.net, which is an online school for athletes who need to homeschool due to demanding travel and practice schedules. This week’s Ultimate Sports Parents podcast question is: Does homeschooling provide a relief … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Handling Bully Coaches in Youth Sports Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Christopher Hickey, executive director of the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education. In this week’s Ultimate Sports Parents podcast: Hickey talks about how parents can deal with difficult or bully coaches. Mental game expert Dr. Patrick Cohn provides … Read Sport Psychology Tip