{"id":6854,"date":"2020-11-13T18:10:26","date_gmt":"2020-11-13T18:10:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/?p=6854"},"modified":"2025-07-09T06:26:18","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T10:26:18","slug":"how-sports-kids-can-overcome-pandemic-anxiety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-sports-kids-can-overcome-pandemic-anxiety\/","title":{"rendered":"How Sports Kids Can Overcome Pandemic Anxiety"},"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\/2020\/11\/how-sports-kids-can-overcome-pandemic-anxiety-1.jpg\" alt=\"adversity in young athletes \" class=\"wp-image-6855\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-sports-kids-can-overcome-pandemic-anxiety-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-sports-kids-can-overcome-pandemic-anxiety-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=\"Positive_Actions_Empower_Young_Athletes\"><\/span>Positive Actions Empower Young Athletes <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-sports-kids-can-overcome-pandemic-anxiety\/#Positive_Actions_Empower_Young_Athletes\" >Positive Actions Empower Young Athletes<\/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\/how-sports-kids-can-overcome-pandemic-anxiety\/#Its_empowering_to_take_positive_action_when_faced_with_adversity\" >It\u2019s empowering to take positive action when faced with adversity.<\/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\/how-sports-kids-can-overcome-pandemic-anxiety\/#Related_Articles_on_Youth_Sports\" >Related Articles on Youth Sports:<\/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\/how-sports-kids-can-overcome-pandemic-anxiety\/#The_Composed_Sports_Kid\" >The Composed Sports Kid<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>What kinds of <strong>adversity<\/strong> have your sports kids encountered?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps they have experienced an injury or long-term sickness. Maybe they were cut from a team or benched by their coach. They could have bombed a big competition or missed the playoffs. They could also experience <strong>conflict <\/strong>with teammates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These types of <strong>adversity<\/strong> can be challenging, depending upon the kids\u2019 perspective.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recently, the COVID pandemic created huge <strong>challenges<\/strong> for all athletes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Young athletes may feel as if the pandemic dashed their hopes and dreams for the athletic year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When sports kids encounter adversity during their athletic careers, it may feel as if they can do nothing about it. However, that mindset leaves kids feeling helpless.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter what young athletes are facing, if they take <strong>positive action<\/strong>, it will help alleviate the stress associated with adversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, kids may not be able to perform at their peak when they are injured or sick, but they still can do something. They can utilize their time to improve their <strong>mental game<\/strong>, strengthen physical weaknesses or catch up on schoolwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sports kids may feel hopeless when they\u2019re cut from a team or benched, but they can still take action to positively impact their performance. They can look for new ways to hone their technique, improve their conditioning or work on weaker parts of their game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If kids are clashing with teammates or dealing with personal issues, they may feel powerless. To overcome those feelings, they can learn to communicate better, take responsibility for their actions or find resources to help them with personal challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Its_empowering_to_take_positive_action_when_faced_with_adversity\"><\/span>It\u2019s empowering to take <strong>positive action<\/strong> when faced with <strong>adversity<\/strong>.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking positive action:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prepares kids for the future.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prepares kids to compete when the pressure is on.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helps build <strong>mental toughness<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The COVID-19 crisis led to the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This was tough on all the athletes who were prepared to showcase their abilities on a world stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Portuguese professional triathlete Pedro Gomes, who spent countless hours training and preparing for the biggest competition in the world, struggled with uncertainty and loss of control&#8211;major forms of adversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMentally, I was definitely lost. I just did not know how long the pool was going to be closed,\u201d said Gomes. \u201cThe uncertainty of not knowing when this is going to end and being completely out of my control, it was something scary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gomes decided to do something. He took to his indoor bike trainer and virtually raced against his friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Doing something, just as Gomes did, helps kids take back some control and leaves them feeling more <strong>empowered<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking positive action builds resilience and mental toughness. Overcoming adversity helps kids become well-prepared athletes. The key is for kids to maintain the proper perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When adversity strikes, young athletes should think about two positive actions they can take to improve as athletes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Help kids commit to improving their game by working on their fitness, strength or mental game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When should kids work on their mental game? They should do this during the preseason, during the season and any time they can\u2019t train due to adversity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Help young athletes find ways to take <strong>positive action<\/strong> when they face <strong>adversity<\/strong>, and they\u2019ll feel empowered.<\/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_Youth_Sports\"><\/span>Related Articles on Youth Sports:<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\/help-sports-kids-stay-active-during-covid-19\/\"><strong>Help Sports Kids Stay Active During COVID-19<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-to-help-young-athletes-with-mental-health-during-covid-19\/\"><strong>How to Help Young Athletes with Mental Health During COVID-19<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/keeping-kids-moving-during-the-covid-19-crisis\/\"><strong>Keeping Kids Moving During the COVID-19 Crisis<\/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 Actions Empower Young Athletes What kinds of adversity have your sports kids encountered? Perhaps they have experienced an injury or long-term sickness. Maybe they were cut from a team or benched by their coach. They could have bombed a big competition or missed the playoffs. They could also experience &#8230; <a title=\"How Sports Kids Can Overcome Pandemic Anxiety\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-sports-kids-can-overcome-pandemic-anxiety\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How Sports Kids Can Overcome Pandemic Anxiety\">Read Sport Psychology Tip<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6856,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,6],"tags":[461,303,566],"class_list":["post-6854","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports-psychology-for-kids","category-youth-sports-psychology-blog","tag-how-sports-kids-can-overcome-adversity","tag-mental-preparation-for-sports-kids","tag-positive-mindset-in-sports"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6854","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=6854"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6854\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6856"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6854"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6854"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6854"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}