Youth Sports Psychology Articles

Youth sports psychology articles and strategies for sports parents of young athletes to improve mental game and performance.

One Sports Parent’s Story About Perfectionism and The Mental Game

Hall of Fame Lacrosse Player’s Teamwork Tips

Perfectionism in Youth Sports We recently checked in with Jane, a tennis pro, and her son, Jeff, a Division I tennis player. Jane had a lot to say about the value of focusing on the “mental game.” Why should you be interested in Jane’s story? Because it’s a classic example … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Why Composure is so Important for Young Athletes

Help Young Athletes Compete Under Pressure

Composure in Youth Sports Does your young athlete have trouble coping with mistakes? Do your athletes check out during games because they can’t let go of mistakes? In fact, 35% of sports parents we surveyed said that their young athletes struggle with letting go of mistakes. In other words, if … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Are Young Athletes Entertainers for Parents Today?

Youth Sports Psychology

Entertaining Sports Parents Are young athletes entertainers for adults? Whether you agree with this idea or not, read on. You’ll learn why a father of three and senior writer at ESPN Magazine came up with this thesis. You’ll discover what he thinks can be done to change today’s sports scene … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Why Kids Don’t Embrace the Mental Game

How Sports Kids’ Mental Game Affects College Recruitment

Helping Young Athlete Embrace Mental Training How do you help kids understand the value of mental toughness in sports Other sports parents and coaches want to know how to introduce young athletes to mental game training. Do your kids think sports psychology is only for “head cases?” Are your athletes … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Is Setting Goals Too Much Pressure for Young Athletes?

Playing through adversity

Goal Setting in Youth Sports Do you feel frustrated when your young athletes seem to lack motivation and direction? Would helping sports kids set goals be helpful? If so, you’re not alone. We often hear from sports parents and coaches who want to better understand how to help motivate their … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Why Sports Parent Agonize about Pressuring Young Athletes

Help Athlete Cope with Bad calls

Parents Pressure in Youth Sports Here at the Ultimate Sports Parent and Kids’ Sports Psychology, we receive many letters from parents who are confused about how much they should pressure their kids. In fact, it’s not an overstatement to say they agonize about this topic… Agonize, you might ask? Yes. … Read Sport Psychology Tip