{"id":7665,"date":"2023-02-09T11:37:17","date_gmt":"2023-02-09T16:37:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/?p=7665"},"modified":"2025-07-08T07:23:23","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T11:23:23","slug":"helping-sports-kids-build-stable-confidence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/helping-sports-kids-build-stable-confidence\/","title":{"rendered":"Helping Sports Kids Build Stable Confidence&nbsp;"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/helping-sports-kids-build-stable-confidencenbsp-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/helping-sports-kids-build-stable-confidencenbsp-2.jpg\" alt=\"Youth Confidence\" class=\"wp-image-7666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/helping-sports-kids-build-stable-confidencenbsp-2.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/helping-sports-kids-build-stable-confidencenbsp-2-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Stable_Confidence\"><\/span>What is Stable Confidence<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\/helping-sports-kids-build-stable-confidence\/#What_is_Stable_Confidence\" >What is Stable Confidence<\/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\/helping-sports-kids-build-stable-confidence\/#A_number_of_factors_contribute_to_stable_confidence\" >A number of factors contribute to stable confidence:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/helping-sports-kids-build-stable-confidence\/#Before_the_game_Philadelphia_center_Jason_Kelce_described_the_teams_approach_to_the_game\" >Before the game, Philadelphia center Jason Kelce described the team\u2019s approach to the game.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/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\/helping-sports-kids-build-stable-confidence\/#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-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/helping-sports-kids-build-stable-confidence\/#The_Composed_Sports_Kid\" >The Composed Sports Kid<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Some kids\u2019 <strong>confidence<\/strong> changes depending on the record or ability of their opponents. They only feel confident when they compete against weaker opponents and are less confident against tougher competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Young athletes\u2019 <strong>confidence<\/strong> sinks when they become \u201c<strong>wowed<\/strong>\u201d by their opponents\u2019 record, skills or talent level. Concentrating on their opponents takes the focus off their talents, preparation and game strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When athletes <strong>concentrate<\/strong> on their strengths, preparation and planning, they gain a sense of control and more stable confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sports kids should work on building stable confidence. They want to develop &nbsp;a belief in their skills that is resistant to significant highs and lows. <strong>Stable confidence<\/strong> remains relatively the same whether kids win or lose. It doesn\u2019t vary when they make mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_number_of_factors_contribute_to_stable_confidence\"><\/span>A number of factors contribute to stable confidence:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8211;<strong>Growth Mindset<\/strong>: Athletes with stable confidence have a growth mindset. They believe they can get stronger, better and mentally tougher through effort and focus. For that reason, they put in extra time and effort, leading to higher achievement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2013<strong>Present Moment Focus<\/strong>: Athletes with stable confidence stay in the here and now when competing. They don\u2019t worry about past mistakes, losses or future competitions and outcomes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2013<strong>Dedicated Preparation<\/strong>: Preparation separates elite athletes from others. Young athletes may not always enjoy working hard, but it helps them prepare for competitive pressure and adversity. Preparation can minimize stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2013<strong>Sense of Control<\/strong>: Young athletes with stable confidence understand what they can and can\u2019t control. Instead of wasting their energy on uncontrollable aspects of performance, they focus on their attitude, effort, actions and reactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2013<strong>Focus on Process<\/strong>: Athletes with stable confidence establish and chase their goals. However, they realize that to accomplish significant goals, they must focus on the steps that will lead to achieving their athletic objectives.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, they are not distracted by numbers such as wins, rankings or scores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2023 NFC Championship game pitted the Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) against the San Francisco 49ers (13-4), a team that finished the season with the best-rated defense and was on a 12-game winning streak. The winner would advance to the Super Bowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Before_the_game_Philadelphia_center_Jason_Kelce_described_the_teams_approach_to_the_game\"><\/span>Before the game, Philadelphia center Jason Kelce described the team\u2019s approach to the game.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe formula and everything are the same,\u201d said Kelce. \u201cYou lock in during the week, you work hard, you practice hard, you work on your fundamentals and techniques, and you know, trust your coaching and go out there and play.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Philadelphia\u2019s preparation and approach were consistent for every game during the regular season. The team\u2019s steady preparation helped maintain team members\u2019 overall readiness and confidence even after losses, significant injuries and a grueling season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kids with <strong>stable confidence<\/strong> know they have put in months and years of training and competing in sports. When they make mistakes, it\u2019s easier to maintain a full tank of confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Young athletes should focus on the <strong>SELF<\/strong> in self-confidence. Confidence must come from within. Sports kids should not &nbsp;allow others\u2019 expectations and chatter to undermine their confidence.<\/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_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\/how-to-have-stable-confidence-in-sports-peaksports-video\/\"><strong>How To Have Stable Confidence In Sports<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/what-can-athletes-learn-from-elite-athletes-mindset\/\"><strong>What Can Athletes Learn from Elite Athletes\u2019 Mindset?\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-can-sports-kids-get-to-the-next-level\/\"><strong>How Can Sports Kids Get to the Next Level?<\/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 <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=\"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>What is Stable Confidence Some kids\u2019 confidence changes depending on the record or ability of their opponents. They only feel confident when they compete against weaker opponents and are less confident against tougher competition. Young athletes\u2019 confidence sinks when they become \u201cwowed\u201d by their opponents\u2019 record, skills or talent level. &#8230; <a title=\"Helping Sports Kids Build Stable Confidence&nbsp;\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/helping-sports-kids-build-stable-confidence\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Helping Sports Kids Build Stable Confidence&nbsp;\">Read Sport Psychology Tip<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7667,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[309,182],"class_list":["post-7665","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-youth-sports-psychology-blog","tag-confidence-in-youth-sports","tag-sports-parents"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7665","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=7665"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7665\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7667"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7665"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7665"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7665"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}