sports mental game

Why “I Can’t” Statements Hurt Young Athletes

Youth Sports Psychology

Positive Thinking in Youth Sports “I can’t make three-pointers.” “I can’t keep that big guy from scoring.” “I can’t score goals with my left foot.” “I can’t” statements hurt kids’ confidence. This is called negative thinking, and it’s a mental game no-no. Lots of kids embrace this kind of thinking … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Preparing Young Athletes Mentally for Games

Youth Sports Psychology

Instilling Mental Toughness in Sports Kids Parents and coaches, preparing kids mentally for games is one of the best ways you can help them feel ready at game time. Why? Because kids who possess mental toughness often have higher confidence levels and perform better. First of all, understand it’s best … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Help Your Athletes Avoid This Mental Game Mistake…

Youth Sports Psychology

Sports Kids Who Make Comparisons Parents and coaches, how many times have you heard your kids say, “We’re never going to beat that team! The players are huge.” Or fast. Or tough. The minute your hear this uttered by one of your team members, hold everything and have a heart-to-heart … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Tips for Helping Athletes Transfer Sports Skills to Life

Youth Sports Psychology

Taking Kids’ Sports Skills to Life We all talk about the importance of transferring the skills kids learn in sports to other areas of their lives. But how exactly can we expedite that process? Megan Bartlett, chief program officer for Up2Us—who oversees the training of coaches in sports-based youth development—gave … Read Sport Psychology Tip

How to Help Athletes Get More Playing Time…

Youth Sports Psychology

Playing Time in Youth Sports A common complaint from sports parents: The coach doesn’t give my child enough playing time, and it hurts her confidence. When a coach doesn’t give a child a lot of playing time, it can really hurt her view of her abilities and skills. And that, … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Is a Strong Mental Game More Important Than Talent? Expert Opinion.

Youth Sports Psychology

The Benefits of a Mental Game What’s more important in youth sports? A strong mental game or physical talent? Linda Crum, executive director of Positive Coaching Alliance Colorado, says the mental game is more important—and gets more important as kids start playing at elite levels. At the younger stages, she … Read Sport Psychology Tip