Playing Time in Youth Sports Here's an interesting study result: If young athletes have to choose between losing and getting to play the whole game, they choose playing time. That's a tidbit from Steven Frierman, a professor at Hofstra University and a former youth sports coach. Yes, that's right. Winning isn't everything to young sports kids, he says. Often, having fun, being with friends, … [Read more...]
Athletes Who Use Steroids Negatively Influence Youth Athletes [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 importance of winning at all costs-which is a mental game no-no. That's the word from Kirk Mango, national … [Read more...]
The Value of Kids Learning to Support Teammates [Podcast]
Supporting Teammates in Youth Sports When kids strike out at bat on Brad Jubin's baseball team, the other players standing in the dugout raise four fingers to show their support. This is a great way to lift young kids' spirits after they make mistakes, says the co-founder of "A Team That Always Plays for Each Other." "The other kids are telling their friends, 'Don't worry, we're here for you. … [Read more...]
Addressing Fear of Failure and Perfectionism By Adjusting Athletes’ Goals [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 critical in sports, as kids start getting involved at younger and younger ages. "As parents, you … [Read more...]
Early Sports Specialization for Young Athletes: The Pitfalls [Podcast]
Sport Specialization For Kids Jack Malley, sports dad, coach, and author of "Meet The Lunatics Who Run Your Kids' Sports Leagues," says he's made quite a few mistakes as a sports dad and coach. But allowing his kids to specialize was not one of those mistakes. For example, Malley once became irked at an opposing coach for putting a goalie in the goal when that coach's team was down by 15 … [Read more...]
Cut Distractions and Make It Fun: Miami Dolphins’ Advice [Podcast]
Staying Focused in Youth Sports Sports kids would benefit much more from sports if they were less distracted and had more fun. That's the word from Troy Drayton, coordinator of youth programs for the Miami Dolphins. Drayton, who visits elementary and middle schools three days a week to teach about physical fitness and positive choices, says the biggest mental game challenge for kids is … [Read more...]
Why Teenage Females Drop Out of Sports
Dropout Rates Among Female Athlete Young women drop out of sports—starting at about the age of 13—at twice the rate of young men, says Dr. Joan Steidenger, a licensed psychologist who works with athletes. Why? It’s all about their relationships, says Steidenger, who is writing a book about girls in sports and the importance of their relationships. Young women often feel pressure from … [Read more...]
Athletes Who Are Impatient And Lack Commitment in Sports [Podcast]
The "I Want it Now" Attitude One of the biggest challenges sports kids face is a “I want it now” attitude, says Kirk Mango, a three-time Hall of Fame Athlete, National Champion and author of “Becoming A True Champion.” If kids are going to make the most of their youth sports experience, they need to understand they can’t get what they want now. Instead, they should embrace the ideas of … [Read more...]
Build Confidence With A Positive Team Culture [Podcast]
Boosting Sports Kids' Confidence What's one of the most important things adults can do to boost young athletes' confidence? They should help build a positive team culture, says Danny Cullinane, a coach and sports parent in England who lectures about sports development. He should know. He's charged with the job of helping ensure more kids play sports and reap the many benefits. Creating … [Read more...]
A Coach and Ref Give Tips for Helping Kids During Games [Podcast]
Tips To Help Sports Kids in Games In many ways, it makes sense that we often see mayhem on the sidelines during youth sporting events, says Brian Swarz, a coach, ref and umpire who has seen a lot of youth sports games. First of all, many of the coaches are parents of high-level players who are very invested in the outcome of the games. Second, the coaches generally aren’t trained. What’s more, … [Read more...]