Reasons for Rising Dropout Rates in Sports Recent studies have shown a 14% drop off in soccer participation between the ages of 6-12, says Benjamin Dudley, executive director, Positive Coaching Aliance (PCA), Portland. We also see these kinds of numbers in baseball, football, and basketball all around the country. And … Read Sport Psychology Tip
What’s the Best Program for My Young Athlete? A sports mom asks: “I just wanted to know what the best program is for a 11 (almost 12) year old. I have a 12-year-old with confidence issues.” We often receive emails with these types of questions. Here at the Ultimate Sports … Read Sport Psychology Tip
How to Be a Supportive Sports Parent A sports parent asks: “How can I help my children really own their own sports experience?” Sports parents can sometimes forget that the sports experience should belong to their children. When parents are too intrusive, controlling, or over-involved, it undermines kids’ experience. Sports … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Communicating With Sports Kids After Games Sports parents often ask how to best communicate with their sports children after a game. This is a critical question; the messages that parents give their sports kids after a game can do wonders for their self-esteem and confidence, or on the contrary, do … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Helping Young Athletes Define Their Self-Concept A sports parent asks: “How do I help my child be more focused on his role on the team and not so worried about disappointing his teammates and others?” It’s common for sports kids to worry about disappointing others. Kids often seek social approval, … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Helping Young Athletes Overcome Negative Beliefs It’s common for young athletes to struggle with doubt and negative thoughts about their performance. They tell themselves that: This type of negative self-talk can be detrimental to your young athletes, and if it isn’t addressed, can lead to mental-game challenges. With each negative … Read Sport Psychology Tip