{"id":740,"date":"2010-08-19T17:20:22","date_gmt":"2010-08-19T17:20:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/?p=740"},"modified":"2025-08-07T06:26:48","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T10:26:48","slug":"why-mental-game-skills-help-kids-in-academics-and-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/why-mental-game-skills-help-kids-in-academics-and-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Mental Game Skills Help Kids in Academics and Life"},"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\/parents-role-in-motivating-sports-kids.jpg\" alt=\"Youth Sports Psychology\" class=\"wp-image-3642\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/parents-role-in-motivating-sports-kids.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/parents-role-in-motivating-sports-kids-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_Benefits_of_Participation_in_Sports_For_Kids\"><\/span>The Benefits of Participation in Sports For Kids<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\/why-mental-game-skills-help-kids-in-academics-and-life\/#The_Benefits_of_Participation_in_Sports_For_Kids\" >The Benefits of Participation in Sports For Kids<\/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\/why-mental-game-skills-help-kids-in-academics-and-life\/#What_are_the_skills_were_talking_about_and_how_can_parents_and_coaches_ensure_kids_acquire_them\" >What are the skills we\u2019re talking about and how can parents and coaches ensure kids acquire them?<\/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\/why-mental-game-skills-help-kids-in-academics-and-life\/#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\/why-mental-game-skills-help-kids-in-academics-and-life\/#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>Popular coach Billy Zufall is serious about ensuring sports participation teaches kids critical skills that they can transfer to other areas of their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, that\u2019s one of his main goals as director of coaching for the boys\u2019 and girls\u2019 soccer teams at Highland High School. It\u2019s likely one of the reasons he won the Medina County Coach of the Year for three years in a row.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why do we at <strong>Kids\u2019 Sports Psychology<\/strong> think this topic is so important? We believe that when kids learn <strong>mental game<\/strong> skills in sports, they benefit in most other areas of their lives. That\u2019s a huge plus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_skills_were_talking_about_and_how_can_parents_and_coaches_ensure_kids_acquire_them\"><\/span>What are the skills we\u2019re talking about and how can parents and coaches ensure kids acquire them?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Zufall has lots to say about this. So do we.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Highland High School, Zufall has found that sports kids learn <strong>time-management<\/strong> and <strong>team-building skills<\/strong> and have learned how to intertwine their <strong>individual goals with team goals<\/strong>. They also learn how to <strong>focus<\/strong> for long periods of time. In fact, many of his players have earned all-academic team awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cThese skills help them quite a bit outside of soccer as far as academically. This is important, because, as we all know, our athletic careers are short compared to the rest of lives,\u201d<\/em> he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Parents play a huge role in ensuring kids acquire these skills, he says. For example, many of the parents he works with block out time during the day to check in with their sports kids and ensure they\u2019re learning the life skills they need to learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cThey say, \u2018This is what we\u2019ve done throughout the day, are we prepared for tomorrow?\u2019 This helps kids prepare for the next day or so,\u201d<\/em> he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Being prepared helps young athletes <strong>feel more confident<\/strong> in sports\u2014and that boosts their <strong>confidence academically<\/strong>, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Zufall, one of the toughest skills for many kids is learning to pay attention to detail. That\u2019s where sports play a huge role, he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cThe more they pay attention to details, the <strong>more successful<\/strong> they are,\u201d<\/em> he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, the kids who pay attention to details know how to <strong>warm up<\/strong> and cool down properly and are less likely to sustain injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They have the <strong>mental toughness<\/strong> to hang in through a long and grueling season, he says. Coaches who provide regular feedback help sports kids learn how to <strong>focus<\/strong> on important details, he adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cThe <strong>mental preparation<\/strong> involved in soccer transfers over to life,\u201d <\/em>he says.<em> \u201cKids are better able to understand what teachers are asking them, and how to prepare and execute.\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\/the-role-of-mental-game-skills-for-sports-kids\/\"><strong>The Role of Mental Game Skills for Sports Kids<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/5-pregame-mental-skills-for-young-athletes\/\"><strong>5 Pregame Mental Skills For Young Athletes<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\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<\/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 Benefits of Participation in Sports For Kids Popular coach Billy Zufall is serious about ensuring sports participation teaches kids critical skills that they can transfer to other areas of their lives. In fact, that\u2019s one of his main goals as director of coaching for the boys\u2019 and girls\u2019 soccer &#8230; <a title=\"Why Mental Game Skills Help Kids in Academics and Life\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/why-mental-game-skills-help-kids-in-academics-and-life\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Why Mental Game Skills Help Kids in Academics and Life\">Read Sport Psychology Tip<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3641,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,23,3,6],"tags":[170,168,169,171,117],"class_list":["post-740","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-kids-in-sports","category-sports-kids","category-youth-sports","category-youth-sports-psychology-blog","tag-academics","tag-kids-sport-psychology","tag-mental-skill","tag-sports-and-life","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\/740","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=740"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/740\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3641"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=740"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=740"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=740"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}