Kids Sports Psychology

How Kids Can Learn to Make the Most of Mistakes While Competing

How Kids Can Learn to Make the Most of Mistake While Competing

Kids Confidence is Directly Impacted by Their Mistakes All athletes make mistakes. But how kids respond to mistakes is critical. For example, if a player misses the last shot of a basketball game, will that athlete pass up shots late in future games? If a young athlete drops a pass … Read Sport Psychology Tip

How Toxic Sports Cultures Hurt Kids’ Mental Health

Building Confidence in Athletes

Hillary Cauthen, a sport psychologist and author of “Hello Trauma: Our Invisible Teammate” gives tips for helping sports kids cope with toxic sport cultures, including coaches who yell at and demean kids. Listen to Learn More: Related Articles on Kids’ Mental Game: *Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on iTunes*Subscribe to The … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Creating a Culture of Connection and Encouragement in Youth Sports

Building Confidence in Athletes

Kaig Lightner founded Portland Community Football Club 10 years ago, providing coach mentors, free uniforms and no-cost or low-cost opportunities for immigrants and others living in low-income communities. The program focuses on creating a culture of connection, encouragement and trust. Player growth is more important than winning games.  Now the … Read Sport Psychology Tip

How Archery Builds Confidence and Focus in Kids

Building Confidence in Athletes

Archery can provide numerous benefits to kids–including building confidence, focus and success. Kids realize these benefits fairly quickly because they often find success as beginners, said Tommy Floyd, president of the National Archery in the Schools Program. The former school principal recently was a guest on our Ultimate Sports Parent … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Playing Through Adversity

Playing through adversity

How to Push Through Challenges Have you ever wondered why some athletes succeed despite challenges and adversity while other athletes fall apart when encountering similar circumstances? The difference between these two types of athletes is mindset. An athlete’s mindset has a profound effect on athletic achievement. If kids’ mindsets don’t … Read Sport Psychology Tip