{"id":604,"date":"2010-04-13T21:37:06","date_gmt":"2010-04-13T21:37:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/?p=604"},"modified":"2025-08-07T06:52:56","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T10:52:56","slug":"when-kids-drop-out-of-sports-because-of-little-playing-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/when-kids-drop-out-of-sports-because-of-little-playing-time\/","title":{"rendered":"When Kids Drop Out of Sports Because of Little Playing Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3628\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/when-kids-drop-out-of-sports-because-of-little-playing-time.jpg\" alt=\"Youth Sports Psychology\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/when-kids-drop-out-of-sports-because-of-little-playing-time.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/when-kids-drop-out-of-sports-because-of-little-playing-time-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Positive_Coaching_in_Youth_Sports\"><\/span>Positive Coaching in Youth Sports<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\/when-kids-drop-out-of-sports-because-of-little-playing-time\/#Positive_Coaching_in_Youth_Sports\" >Positive Coaching in Youth Sports<\/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\/when-kids-drop-out-of-sports-because-of-little-playing-time\/#Sports_kids_are_afraid_that_if_they_make_mistakes_theyll_get_even_less_playing_time\" >Sports kids are&nbsp;afraid that if they make mistakes, they\u2019ll get even less playing time.<\/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\/when-kids-drop-out-of-sports-because-of-little-playing-time\/#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-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/when-kids-drop-out-of-sports-because-of-little-playing-time\/#The_Composed_Sports_Kid\" >The Composed Sports Kid<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>At first, Brian Sanders\u2019 son enjoyed sports. He had a coach who gave all the kids equal playing time. The second year, the boy dropped out of sports altogether because the coach gave him\u2014and other players\u2014little playing time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cKids drop out because of these negative experiences,\u201d<\/em> says Sanders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, up to 75% of kids drop out of sports by the time they are 13\u2014mostly because they\u2019re not having fun anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on to learn about how to keep kids in sports if they have little playing time or are losing <strong>confidence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sanders is now president and CEO of I9 Sports, a fast-growing sports franchise that gives all kids equal playing time. He says equal playing time helps build their <strong>confidence<\/strong> and <strong>self-esteem.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here at The Ultimate Sports Parent and Kids\u2019 Sports Psychology, we agree that little playing time can hurt kids\u2019 <strong>confidence<\/strong> and sometimes cause them to drop out. But not always. Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Often, when kids get little playing time, they feel unsupported by their coaches. They begin to feel like they\u2019re bad players. Or they develop fear of failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sports_kids_are_afraid_that_if_they_make_mistakes_theyll_get_even_less_playing_time\"><\/span>Sports kids are&nbsp;afraid that if they make mistakes, they\u2019ll get even less playing time.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This creates a negative cycle: They\u2019re so <strong>afraid of making mistakes<\/strong> that they take no risks, play or perform tentatively and aren\u2019t very effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>truth<\/strong> is, kids can still enjoy being on teams when they have little playing time. It all depends on how the coach handles this situation. If a coach is <strong>positive, supportive,<\/strong> builds team <strong>unity<\/strong> and ensures the kids have fun, it\u2019s likely a child will stay with the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s your job as sports parents to find these coaches for your sports kids. Read on to learn what to look for in a sports experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We know one very popular basketball coach who recognizes each child\u2019s strengths, <strong>focuses<\/strong> on them and tries to build on them. He makes the team fun by joking around with his players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more, if he puts a less skilled or less <strong>confident <\/strong>player in a game, he tries to set up a situation that will allow the player to feel <strong>successful.<\/strong> He always praises the players for what they do well and points out ways they can grow or have grown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This coach emphasizes <strong>teamwork<\/strong> and creates a real \u201cfamily\u201d for the team members. Many of the kids who spend most of their time sitting on the bench don\u2019t want to miss one minute of practice or any games with this coach!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why? This coach makes them feel <strong>important,<\/strong> ensures they have fun and <strong>boosts<\/strong> their <strong>confidence<\/strong> by pointing out their small but important \u201cwins.\u201d Such wins might include making lots of rebounds or passing well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In summary, if you\u2019re worried that your sports kids might drop out, make sure their experience builds their <strong>confidence<\/strong> and enjoyment of the game. Little playing time can hurt <strong>confidence<\/strong>&#8211;but it can also spur kids to try harder and <strong>improve<\/strong> their game. But that only happens if they\u2019re having fun.<\/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\/why-girls-drop-out-of-sports-at-higher-rates-than-boys\/\"><strong>Why Girls Drop out of Sports at Higher Rates than Boys<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/why-girls-drop-out-of-sports-more-often-than-boys\/\"><strong>Why Girls Drop out of Sports More than Boys<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/help-your-kids-avoid-sports-drop-out\/\"><strong>Help Your Kids Avoid Sports Drop Out<\/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\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Composed_Sports_Kid\"><\/span>The Composed Sports Kid<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 loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/03\/composed-sports-kid-small-1.jpg\" alt=\"The Composed Sports Kid\" class=\"wp-image-11173\" style=\"width:170px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>&#8220;The Composed Sports Kid&#8221; audio&nbsp;and workbook digital download program for young athletes and their parents or coach helps kids cope with frustration and anger in sports. Help your sports kids learn how to manage expectations and let go of mistakes so they can keep their head in the game.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>The Composed Sports Kid system<\/strong><\/em>&nbsp;is really two programs in one\u2013one program to train parents and coaches how to help their kids practice composure, and one program that teaches young athletes\u2013<em>ages 6 to 13<\/em>\u2013how to improve composure, let go of mistakes quickly, have more self-acceptance,&nbsp;<strong>and thus enjoy sports more<\/strong>!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-26bcd9b3\">\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-903b6244 gb-button-text\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/the-confident-sports-kid-cd-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">GET DETAILS<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-3275f4fd gb-button-text\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.peaksports.com\/collections\/confident-sports-kid-series-digital-version\/products\/the-confident-sports-kid-bundle-digital\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BUY NOW<\/a>\n\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Positive Coaching in Youth Sports At first, Brian Sanders\u2019 son enjoyed sports. He had a coach who gave all the kids equal playing time. The second year, the boy dropped out of sports altogether because the coach gave him\u2014and other players\u2014little playing time. \u201cKids drop out because of these negative &#8230; <a title=\"When Kids Drop Out of Sports Because of Little Playing Time\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/when-kids-drop-out-of-sports-because-of-little-playing-time\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about When Kids Drop Out of Sports Because of Little Playing Time\">Read Sport Psychology Tip<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3634,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[26,9,10,6],"tags":[122,124,123,106,125,38,117],"class_list":["post-604","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-confidence-in-young-athletes","category-sports-dropouts","category-not-trusting-physical-skills","category-youth-sports-psychology-blog","tag-fear-of-making-mistakes","tag-kids-who-drop-out-of-sports","tag-lack-of-playing-time","tag-playing-time","tag-sports-drop-outs","tag-youth-sports-and-psychology","tag-youth-sports-psychology","resize-featured-image"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/604","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=604"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/604\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3634"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=604"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=604"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=604"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}