Youth sports psychology articles and strategies for sports parents of young athletes to improve mental game and performance.
Pregame Routines For Sports Kids What kids focus on while playing sports can make or break their confidence–and performance. Simply put, kids often focus on the wrong “cues” or too many things at once. Today we’re going to address a common challenge: When kids are playing or performing, they often … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Rory McIlroy’s Mental Game US Open Champion Rory McIlroy’s recent experiences demonstrate just how critical the mental game is to athletes. Golfer McIlroy had one of the worst days of his life in April. He shot a final round 80 at the 2011 Masters and blew a six-stroke final-round lead. … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Sports Kids And The Zone Focus Achieving a “zone focus” is key to success for sports kids. When sports kids have a zone focus, they’re concentrating on everything they need to focus on during the performance, and feel as if time has been suspended. They’re totally into their game. They’re … 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
New Coaches in Youth Sports A dad recently wrote us with a heart-breaking story about how his 13-year-old soccer player was once “brilliant,” but had his confidence busted by a new coach…. The parents are willing to move to another town just to find a team that would help boost … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Fostering Determination in Sports Kids Inner determination and will are critical in youth sports, says Kirk Mango–a coach, National Champion and 3-Time All-American. They help young athletes push themselves beyond their normal limitations and do things they never thought possible. It all boils down to this: Kids-and adults-who are determined … Read Sport Psychology Tip