mental game

Why The Mental Game is as Important as Talent For Young Athletes

Youth Sports Psychology

The Importance of a Good Mental Game Talent is over-rated in youth sports. That’s the word from Kirk Mango, a youth sports coach, national champion, three-time All-American and Hall of Fame athlete. As a young athlete, Mango didn’t stand out as being especially talented, he says. But he was passionate … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Overcoming Young Athletes’ Resistance to Mental Training

Youth Sports Psychology

3 Reasons Why Young Athletes Resist Mental Training One sports parent recently asked: “How do I get my son to buy into the need for mental training? He is an extremely skilled player who lacks confidence but stubbornly is not open to mental training.” Whether young athletes are skilled or unskilled, … 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