{"id":6464,"date":"2020-02-06T15:23:54","date_gmt":"2020-02-06T15:23:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/?p=6464"},"modified":"2025-07-09T08:01:04","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T12:01:04","slug":"help-sports-kids-use-game-plans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/help-sports-kids-use-game-plans\/","title":{"rendered":"Help Sports Kids Use Game Plans"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/athletes-who-lack-confidence-and-mental-game-1.jpg\" alt=\"Young-Athletes-Who-Lack-Confidence-\" class=\"wp-image-5050\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/athletes-who-lack-confidence-and-mental-game-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/athletes-who-lack-confidence-and-mental-game-1-300x150.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=\"The_Importance_of_Game_Plans\"><\/span>The Importance of Game Plans<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\/help-sports-kids-use-game-plans\/#The_Importance_of_Game_Plans\" >The Importance of Game Plans<\/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\/help-sports-kids-use-game-plans\/#In_tennis_kids_may_plan_on_how_to_take_advantage_of_their_opponents_weaknesses\" >In tennis, kids may plan on how to take advantage of their opponents\u2019 weaknesses.<\/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\/help-sports-kids-use-game-plans\/#How_Do_Young_Athletes_Put_a_Game_Plan_Into_Action\" >How Do Young Athletes Put a Game Plan Into Action<\/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\/help-sports-kids-use-game-plans\/#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-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/help-sports-kids-use-game-plans\/#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>Game plans are blueprints for performing well or beating competitors during competition&#8211;and they\u2019re only helpful if kids put them into action during games or competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, in football, young athletes\u2019 plan may be to identify the style of defense they\u2019ll play during different game situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In gymnastics, for example, a young athlete\u2019s <strong>game plan<\/strong> may be to choose a particular routine to perform for each event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In swimming, sports kids might design game plans focusing on their splits for a race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_tennis_kids_may_plan_on_how_to_take_advantage_of_their_opponents_weaknesses\"><\/span>In tennis, kids may plan on how to take advantage of their opponents\u2019 weaknesses.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Young athletes need to do more than just create <strong>game plans<\/strong>. They need to focus on their plans, which can be tricky during competitions. That\u2019s because athletes, during a tough game or competition, tend to focus on what their opponents are doing, rather than on their own performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When this happens, kids under-perform. They hand their opponents an advantage by taking the focus off their own skills and plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Professional tennis player Daniil Medvedev knows what happens when athletes stop concentrating on their plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medvedev lost his focus when playing future Hall of Famer Rafael Nadal at the 2018 Rogers Cup in Montreal. Nadal dominated Medvedev throughout the match winning 6-3, 6-0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though he had a <strong>game plan<\/strong>, Medvedev was too focused on \u201cwho he was playing\u201d instead of \u201cwhat he should be doing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou speak with your coach, you understand your plan but you go out there and it doesn\u2019t work because it\u2019s [Rafeal Nadal]. [Nadal] kills your entire plan. In Montreal, I may not have been prepared mentally. It was terribly windy, which usually bothers Rafa but that day it could not help. The match was not close,\u201d said Medvedev.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Worrying about the competition hurts kids\u2019 focus and performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Concentrating on the importance of the <strong>game<\/strong> or competition also undermines their performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In order for kids to perform well, they need to focus on themselves&#8211;and their <strong>game plans<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In order for kids to compete at their best, they need to keep the focus on themselves and their plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_Young_Athletes_Put_a_Game_Plan_Into_Action\"><\/span>How Do Young Athletes Put a Game Plan Into Action<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>First, kids should create a plan. It could take advantage of their strengths, or their opponents\u2019 weaknesses, or both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s most important is developing a strategy that kids can focus on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, kids should break down the game plan into specific objectives before the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And of course, they need a Plan B just in case Plan A doesn\u2019t work. It\u2019s important for kids to be flexible and go with the flow. They shouldn\u2019t get stuck trying too hard to implement a plan that\u2019s not helping them perform well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remind your young athletes: They need to create a plan, focus on implementing it, and be ready to switch plans if their first <strong>game plan<\/strong> doesn\u2019t help them feel successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a plan or two under their belts, they\u2019re more likely to focus, feel confident and perform well!<\/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\" 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\/teaching-sports-kids-pregame-plans\/\"><strong>Teaching Sports Kids Pregame Plans<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/playing-through-adversity\/\"><strong>Playing Through Adversity<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-to-get-kids-mentally-ready-for-competing\/\"><strong>How to Get Kids Mentally Ready For Competing<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-f49818fa-7c7a-4ee3-b5ee-66581aad2c71\">*Subscribe to\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/sports-psychology-podcast-by-peaksports-com\/id152566009\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>on 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=\"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>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>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\"><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>The Importance of Game Plans Game plans are blueprints for performing well or beating competitors during competition&#8211;and they\u2019re only helpful if kids put them into action during games or competition. For example, in football, young athletes\u2019 plan may be to identify the style of defense they\u2019ll play during different game &#8230; <a title=\"Help Sports Kids Use Game Plans\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/help-sports-kids-use-game-plans\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Help Sports Kids Use Game Plans\">Read Sport Psychology Tip<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5316,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[295,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6464","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports-psychology-for-sports-parents-2","category-youth-sports-psychology-blog"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6464","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=6464"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6464\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5316"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6464"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6464"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6464"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}