{"id":11298,"date":"2024-10-24T20:10:10","date_gmt":"2024-10-25T00:10:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/?p=11298"},"modified":"2026-01-29T09:28:03","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T14:28:03","slug":"how-to-problem-solve-for-athletes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-to-problem-solve-for-athletes\/","title":{"rendered":"How to\u00a0Problem Solve\u00a0for Athletes"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kidssportspsychology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/problems-for-athletes.jpg\" alt=\"How to\u00a0Problem Solve\u00a0for Athletes\" class=\"wp-image-2418\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Solving_Problems_as_an_Athlete\"><\/span>Solving Problems as an Athlete<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-to-problem-solve-for-athletes\/#Solving_Problems_as_an_Athlete\" >Solving Problems as an Athlete<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-to-problem-solve-for-athletes\/#However_these_thoughts_focus_on_the_problem\" >However, these thoughts focus on the problem.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-to-problem-solve-for-athletes\/#Solution-oriented_sports_kids_have_these_skills\" >Solution-oriented sports kids have these skills:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-to-problem-solve-for-athletes\/#Bike_Perservered\" >Bike Perservered<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-to-problem-solve-for-athletes\/#Related_Kids_Sports_Psychology_Articles\" >Related Kids Sports Psychology Articles:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-to-problem-solve-for-athletes\/#THE_FOCUSED_SPORTS_KID_DIGITAL_DOWNLOAD\" >THE FOCUSED SPORTS KID (DIGITAL DOWNLOAD)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Competitive sports have their fair share of ups and downs, and most players experience highs and lows during their career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When players are at a low point, they sometimes feel like they are the only ones who experience tough times.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if your young athlete was a three-year starter, and for seemingly no reason, the coach takes her out of the starting lineup for several games, many questions, doubts and negative thoughts may occupy her mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Why am I being benched?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Will I ever start again?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What if my coach no longer believes in me?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maybe I\u2019m not good enough to play at this level.<br>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These thoughts are relatively normal for any player in these circumstances.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"However_these_thoughts_focus_on_the_problem\"><\/span>However, these thoughts focus on the <strong>problem<\/strong>.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If sports kids are not careful and fall prey to their doubts, they will feel trapped and helpless. What happens after these thoughts will impact their immediate future.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If young athletes focus on the <strong>problem<\/strong>, they will lose confidence and motivation. They will not feel in control of their future and hesitate to take action to move forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if they focus on finding solutions, they will feel empowered. They will feel motivated to grow their game mentally, physically and technically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When sports kids are solution-oriented, they will develop the mental toughness needed to conquer challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Solution-oriented_sports_kids_have_these_skills\"><\/span>Solution-oriented sports kids have these skills:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Goal Setting \u2013 They know what they need to overcome their current challenge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focus \u2013 Kids understand how to address their current circumstances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confidence \u2013 Kids can leverage their current skill set to improve their situation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Perspective and Patience \u2013 Young athletes understand that it takes some amount of time to move forward.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Motivation \u2013 Motivated athletes identify what they need to do today to get the ball rolling in the right direction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Mental skills not only help young athletes overcome obstacles, but these skills can boost kids\u2019 performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After being waived by Gotham FC, winger Jenna Bike waited eight weeks for another opportunity. Bike acknowledged she struggled with her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During those weeks, Bike continued to train and develop her skills, knowing she still wanted to play in the National Women\u2019s Soccer League.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI really wanted to stay in this league and stay stateside, so it was a lot of training, [especially] not knowing where my future was going to be or what was going to happen,\u201d Bike said. \u201cIt was honestly a little difficult at times.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After her 8-week layoff, Chicago Red Stars signed Bike to a two-year contract with an option for a third year. In a short time, Bike has improved substantially.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bike_Perservered\"><\/span>Bike Perservered<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only is Bike excited to play again, but she wants to be a difference-maker and knows that it starts with a strong mental game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe technical piece is something you can always control and something I always try and work on, but where I had to pay more attention is the mental piece, playing with confidence, and being the player I know I can be every day, no matter who I am standing next to or who is on the field with me,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBelieving in myself has been so hard since I joined the league, but slowly, I\u2019m starting to break the shell and get back to the basics. I know how to play soccer and have all the pieces; it\u2019s just the mental side.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mental skills help bring into focus solutions that empower players to meet obstacles head-on. The truth is that well-developed mental skills can take athletes from average to awesome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Athletes shouldn\u2019t wait until <strong>problems<\/strong> arise before paying attention to their mental game. If they take a proactive approach to building mental skills, they can prevent obstacles from occurring in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"related-articles-on-hockey-mental-game\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Kids_Sports_Psychology_Articles\"><\/span>Related Kids Sports Psychology Articles:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/sports-parents-and-the-problems-with-focusing-on-kids-mistakes\/\"><strong>Sports Parents and The Problems with Focusing On Kids\u2019 Mistakes<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/dealing-with-favoritism-in-youth-sports\/\"><strong>The Problems with Favoritism in Youth Sports Athletes<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/kids-fear-of-mental-coaching\/\"><strong>Kids Fear of Mental Coaching<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-f49818fa-7c7a-4ee3-b5ee-66581aad2c71\">*Subscribe to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/sports-psychology-podcast-by-peaksports-com\/id152566009\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0on iTunes<br>*Subscribe to <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0ynyaalKxbnNmsoeL8gF5X?si=8224669de9b3435b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/strong><\/a> on Spotify<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"THE_FOCUSED_SPORTS_KID_DIGITAL_DOWNLOAD\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/shop.peaksports.com\/products\/the-focused-sports-kid-digital\" title=\"\">THE FOCUSED SPORTS KID (DIGITAL DOWNLOAD)<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kidssportspsychology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/focused-sports-kid-small.jpg\" alt=\"The Focused Sports Kid\" class=\"wp-image-2352\" style=\"width:164px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe Focused Sports Kid\u201d helps sports kids who get easily distracted and can\u2019t maintain their focus in competition. In this program, you and your athlete learn concentration-boosting strategies to help young athletes develop laser focus during competition. \u201c<em>The Focused Sports Kid<\/em>\u201d is two programs in one. You get a manual and Audio program for parents\/coaches, and a PDF workbook and audio programs for young athletes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cWe just completed the first ten tips,&nbsp;it has helped tremendously&nbsp;for (our daughter) and us. We\u2019ve learned to keep our behavior and comments in check. She\u2019s&nbsp;letting mistakes happen&nbsp;and&nbsp;not worrying about them, she\u2019s&nbsp;now just moves on&nbsp;to the next play with the same attitude as before the mistakes. She\u2019s&nbsp;playing more aggressively&nbsp;all game. Her coach even mentioned that whatever we are doing, keep doing because&nbsp;it\u2019s working.\u201d<\/em><strong> ~Scott, Sports Dad<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.peaksports.com\/products\/the-focused-sports-kid-digital\">Get Details<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Solving Problems as an Athlete Competitive sports have their fair share of ups and downs, and most players experience highs and lows during their career. When players are at a low point, they sometimes feel like they are the only ones who experience tough times.&nbsp; For example, if your young &#8230; <a title=\"How to\u00a0Problem Solve\u00a0for Athletes\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-to-problem-solve-for-athletes\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How to\u00a0Problem Solve\u00a0for Athletes\">Read Sport Psychology Tip<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11299,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[309,301],"class_list":["post-11298","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-youth-sports-psychology-blog","tag-confidence-in-youth-sports","tag-pressure-in-youth-sports"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11298","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11298"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11298\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11299"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11298"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11298"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11298"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}