{"id":1710,"date":"2012-07-14T01:18:20","date_gmt":"2012-07-14T01:18:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/?p=1710"},"modified":"2025-08-07T07:19:37","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T11:19:37","slug":"top-reasons-why-sports-kids-avoid-mental-training","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/top-reasons-why-sports-kids-avoid-mental-training\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Reasons Why Sports Kids Avoid Mental Training"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/teaching-young-athletes-to-be-resilient\u2014in-sports-and-life.jpg\" alt=\"Youth Sports Psychology\" class=\"wp-image-3454\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/teaching-young-athletes-to-be-resilient\u2014in-sports-and-life.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/teaching-young-athletes-to-be-resilient\u2014in-sports-and-life-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mental_Training_is_The_Key_to_Success\"><\/span>Mental Training is The Key to Success<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 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\/top-reasons-why-sports-kids-avoid-mental-training\/#Mental_Training_is_The_Key_to_Success\" >Mental Training is The Key to Success<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/top-reasons-why-sports-kids-avoid-mental-training\/#But_heres_the_problem\" >But here\u2019s the problem:<\/a><\/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\/top-reasons-why-sports-kids-avoid-mental-training\/#Kids_think_they_are_already_mentally_tough\" >Kids think they are already mentally tough.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/top-reasons-why-sports-kids-avoid-mental-training\/#Kids_says_that_their_coaches_dont_value_mental_training%E2%80%94so_either_should_they\" >Kids says that their coaches don\u2019t value mental training\u2014so either should they.<\/a><\/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\/top-reasons-why-sports-kids-avoid-mental-training\/#Related_Articles_on_Kids_Mental_Game\" >Related Articles on Kids&#8217; Mental Game:<\/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\/top-reasons-why-sports-kids-avoid-mental-training\/#Improve_Your_Mental_Game_From_Anywhere_In_The_World\" >Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Parents and coaches, if you want your sports kids to understand that <strong>mental training<\/strong> can be the key to unlocking their potential, first you have to know why kids avoid it\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important for you to know that a whopping 53% of the coaches we surveyed said their sports kids resist <strong>mental training.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The truth is, improving their <strong>mental game<\/strong> skills can boost kids\u2019 <strong>confidence<\/strong> in ways that improve their happiness and performance\u2014in and out of sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, <strong>mentally tough<\/strong> and <strong>confident<\/strong> athletes don\u2019t balk after making mistakes. They hang in there and <strong>focus<\/strong> on the next play, pitch, race or routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"But_heres_the_problem\"><\/span>But here\u2019s the problem:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sports kids believe a number of myths\u2014silly myths, really\u2014about the value of mental training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Here are just a few:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kids_think_they_are_already_mentally_tough\"><\/span>Kids think they are already mentally tough.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But even kids who are <strong>mentally tough<\/strong> can find ways to <strong>improve<\/strong> their game. For example, do they excel in practice, but freeze up during games? Do they worry about what others think of them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With <strong>mental training,<\/strong> players, parents and coaches can identify common <strong>confidence<\/strong> busters, see if their sports kids suffer from them, and take steps to address them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if kids won\u2019t participate, they won\u2019t learn about the many <strong>mental game<\/strong> issues that affect young athletes. Encourage them to just give <strong>mental<\/strong> training a try!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kids_says_that_their_coaches_dont_value_mental_training%E2%80%94so_either_should_they\"><\/span>Kids says that their coaches don\u2019t value mental training\u2014so either should they.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not every coach <strong>focuses<\/strong> on <strong>mental training.<\/strong> Some have strengths in other areas. Or some provide <strong>mental training intuitively,<\/strong> but don\u2019t call it this name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They might say,<em> \u201cI know you tend to freeze up when your parents walk into practice. You need to <strong>focus<\/strong> on what you\u2019re doing, instead of what\u2019s going on off the court.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If they say this, they\u2019re giving a <strong>mental game tip.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your kids\u2019 coach either doesn\u2019t embrace <strong>sports psychology<\/strong> or uses his or her own language to impart some of these messages, you might refer the coach to Kids&#8217; Sports Psychology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You could say something like, <em>\u201cHey, there\u2019s this website out there that teaches kids, coaches and parents how to help kids get their head in the game so that they perform better. You should check it out.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>, and relaxed. The final race was one that he was ranked last and one of his goals was to try for top 16\u2026he was 49th! He cut over 4 seconds off his time ending up in 17th. He was ecstatic to say the least.\u201d<\/em><\/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_Articles_on_Kids_Mental_Game\"><\/span>Related Articles on Kids&#8217; Mental Game:<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\/how-to-explain-mental-training-to-teens\/\"><strong>How to Explain Mental Training to Teens<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/helping-sport-kids-embrace-mental-training\/\"><strong>Helping Young Athletes Embrace Mental Training<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/mental-training-for-young-athletes\/\"><strong>Mental Training for Young Athletes<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" 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 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0ynyaalKxbnNmsoeL8gF5X?si=8224669de9b3435b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/a> <\/strong>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\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improve_Your_Mental_Game_From_Anywhere_In_The_World\"><\/span><strong>Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/mental-training-for-young-athletes.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6868\" style=\"width:138px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019re certain that, as a parent,&nbsp;you want to help your child develop confidence and discipline in sports and life.&nbsp;And as a sports parent, you\u2019d love for your children to reach their potential in sports.&nbsp;But encouraging your child to <strong>strive for greatness without pressuring them<\/strong> can be a challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can get expert mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or phone call. With today\u2019s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.<\/strong><br><strong>Find Out How Your Athlete Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mental Training is The Key to Success Parents and coaches, if you want your sports kids to understand that mental training can be the key to unlocking their potential, first you have to know why kids avoid it\u2026 It\u2019s important for you to know that a whopping 53% of the &#8230; <a title=\"Top Reasons Why Sports Kids Avoid Mental Training\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/top-reasons-why-sports-kids-avoid-mental-training\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Top Reasons Why Sports Kids Avoid Mental Training\">Read Sport Psychology Tip<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3470,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,18,6],"tags":[505,506,507],"class_list":["post-1710","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mental-training","category-young-athletes-pressure","category-youth-sports-psychology-blog","tag-kids-who-avoid-mental-training","tag-mental-training-myths","tag-sports-psychology-myths","resize-featured-image"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1710","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=1710"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1710\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3470"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1710"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1710"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1710"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}