Building Confidence in Young Athletes

Sports kids should push past challenges by focusing on incremental steps rather than the bigger end goal, said Dianette Wells, a world-class mountaineer, ultra-endurance athlete and author. For example, to prepare for a hike in Malibu, Calif., she focused on improving her time by a minute each time she hiked.  “I just did it in incremental amounts so my mind could accept that and my body could deal with that. You don't necessarily have to look at the goal line, but just the little steps along the way that you can do to improve yourself,” she said. Send podcast episode ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe on Apple Podccasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/blog        

Young athletes realize a number of benefits when they embrace growth mindsets, said Iuri Melo, a youth sports coach, licensed clinical social worker and co-founder of SchoolPulise, which texts youth positive psychology statements to support their mental health. These kids tend to be optimists who try harder, for longer periods of time and when things get difficult, he said. Players with fixed mindsets tend to be negative, quit early and stop trying hard when they face challenges. But it's possible for kids to switch from having "fixed" mindsets to growth mindsets, with a little help, Melo said. Send us podcast ideas to: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597  Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/      

Research shows that girls' identities can get too wrapped up in sports, said Marlene Holmes, a mental health advocate, sports social worker and regional director at Netball America. Girls also grapple with low self-confidence and challenges visualizing themselves as being successful and leaders in their community. The Netball American program teaches middle school girls and boys netball as a vehicle for improving their communication and teamwork skills and boosting their self confidence. Send podcast ideas to https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to the Ultimate Sports Parent podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/

Sabrina Yavil, sports mom to three boys and founder of Gryme, struggled with encouraging her kids to clean up after practices and games. What's more, the boys didn't seem to want to put time into practicing for games. She began asking them to make their beds and put away their dishes in the morning and take showers after practices or games. She asked them to take more responsibility for getting their sports gear together before games. The result, she said: As they became more disciplined and responsible, their confidence grew in and out of sports. Send us podcast guest ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/          

The human brain tends to lean toward negativity. It doesn't understand the difference between protecting us from a snake or lion and protecting us from emotional states, said Debbie O'Connell, president, Live Positive and Golf Positive. She provides three tips to help sports kids overcome negativity, including changing their posture. Contact us with podcast ideas: Email LisaEllenCohn1@gmail.com Subscribe to this podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Please leave a review! Visit our youth sports psychology blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/        

Without grit and discipline, young athletes won't be successful, said Cary Knox, retired head coach and author of "I Believe," which explores the legacies of Illinois Sports Legends. We live in a selfish society, and kids who lack discipline are being selfish because they're not good teammates, he said. He provides examples of grit and discipline on one of his teams. The players struggled for two years, then made a comeback. Send podcast episode ideas to LisaEllenCohn1@gmail.com Subscribe to this podcast and leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Check out our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/            

Adolescent runners are still growing, and it's critical to support their growth with nutrition that supports their brain and bone health, said Michele Pettinger, author of The Young Runners' Guide to Nutrition. She provides nutrition tips for parents of runners, and also touches on how runners struggle with body image challenges. Send us podcast guest ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts and please leave a review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our kids' sports psychology blog: https://www.kidssportspsychology.com/category/articles/              

Young athletes often stop enjoying sports because they're perfectionists, compare themselves to others or "mind read," or make assumptions about what others are thinking, according to Jaclyn Ellis, a mental performance coach at Peak Performance Sports. She explains how she helps sports kids overcome these challenges and begin enjoying sports more. Send podcast ideas to  Ultimate Sports Parent Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcast and please leave a rating: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our youth sports psychology blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/

The emotional, social, physical and academic benefits of youth sports are well documented. But the rising costs of participating are undermining young athletes' access to sports and its benefits. That's the message from Christy Keswick, president and co-founder of the nonprofit Good Sports. She shares the results of a Harris Poll that found 90% of sports parents polled understand the benefits of sports, but 75% are considering withdrawing their kids from sports because of high costs. She explains what's driving up costs and how parents can work to provide less expensive programs in schools and recreational leagues. Send podcast guest ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Susbscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: (and please leave a review): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our youth sports psychology blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/        

Young athletes lack competitiveness in sports in part because they compare themselves to others, when they need to focus on their own strengths. They also overthink and focus on negative "what if" statements. Georgia Miller, a mental performance coach with PeakSports.com, explains the mental game issues that contribute to lack of competitiveness and how to overcome the challenges. Send us podcast guest ideas:  https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/  

Gifted kids often focus exclusively on sports and fail to make friends or participate in other activities, said Susan Williams, a clinical hypnotherapist at SportHypnotherapy.com. Parents and coaches need to encourage them to try other activities and to develop a circle of supportive friends, she said. She uses hypnotherapy to put kids in a light trance that opens them to new possibilities. Send us podcast guest ideas:https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/      

If people who lead in youth sports--coaches, captains, players and parents--are emotionally inteligent, they're more likely to help a team weather its ups and downs. Caleb Chambliss, a licensed mental health counselor, leadership coach and athlete development specialist explains how emotional intelligence begins with self-awareness--a trait that helps both adults and players better understand their emotions and the emotions of others.  This trait allows captains and coaches help players be the best players possible. It also helps the players. Once they recognize how they're feeling, they're better able to let go of fear of failure, play intuitively and take risks that lead to growth, he said. Send us podcast episode and guest ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our youth sports psychology blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/        

Negative thinking hurts sports kids' confidence and performance. But juggling, hypnosis and posting notes all over a sports kids' house can combat this way of thinking, said Ignacio Segovia, a hypnotherapist, psychologist and mental performance coach. Juggling--or even tossing a ball from one hand to the other before a game--can interrupt negative thoughts by occupying the athlete's mind and senses, he said. With hypnosis, sports kids can substitute negative thoughts such as "I'm no good at sports" with positive thoughts. And when kids post notes all over their house with positive statements, kids' subconscious holds onto the positive thoughts. It's as if the house is talking to them, said Segovia. Send us ideas for podcast interviews: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/            

Young athletes should respond thoughtfully to setbacks, using visualization and breath control to ensure they don't react with emotion. That's the message from Dayton Hansen, COO at ICL Academy, an online school that helps kids pursue passions such as sports. When kids learn to respond this way to mistakes or other setbacks, they'll use this lesson in other areas of their lives, he said. Send us ideas for podcast guests: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Check out our youth sports psychology blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/      

Good coaches can motivate athletes to try their hardest. They can help kids move on from mistakes. They can even change kids' lives, said Dylan Meyer, 22, founder of Legacy of Legends, which helps parents choose sports camps for their young athletes. Send podcast ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Viist our youth sports psychology blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/    

Young athletes have very open minds, which is good and bad news in sports, says Susan Williams, a clinical hypnotherapist at SportHypnotherapy.com. On the one hand, criticism from coaches and parents can affect them at the subconscious level, creating mental roadblocks. But such challenges can be overcome with hypnotherapy, she said. When kids receive positive messages via hypnotherapy, it ccan "overwrite" the thoughts that are holding spports kids back. Send us podcast ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe and rate this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our youth sports psychology blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/        

Cathy Spaas was a professional equestrian show jumper at a young age and suffered from pressure to perform. At age 14, she was riding at international shows, but began to feel like she wasn't good enough, she said. She lost her confidence and passion for the sport. Now, her goal at Your Success Trainer--Cathy Spaas is to ensure athletes don't have the same experience. Send podcast guest ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Visit our blog: https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-blog/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597  

Young athletes who set high expectations often get frustrated when they don't meet their expectations. Mike Mancini, a certified mental performance coach, explains why setting process goals is important and gives examples of these goals. The aim is for young athletes to stay grounded in the moment, and avoid focusing on stats, scores or wins. Send podcast guest ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our youth sports psychology blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/  

As a former college athlete, youth sports coach and sports parent, Eric Collins says his biggest challenge is being a sports parent. It's sometimes hard for him to let his son follow his own sports journey, he said. One way to allow kids to embrace their own journey is to encourage them to communicate directly with coaches. This gives them important skills that will serve them in other areas of their lives, he said. Submit guest ideas for this podcast: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/

Competence, relatedness and autonomy are three characteristics that help sports kids feel intrinsically motivated, said Caleb Chambliss, a licensed mental health counselor, leadership coach and athlete development specialist. With these three characteristics, young athletes are more likely to feel in control, and as a result, motivated, he said. When sports kids feel out of control, they become demotivated, apathetic and often drop out. Send podcast guest ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597  Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/

Often, kids are reluctant to step up as leaders. They may lack confidence or be afraid of being teased. Krissy Webb, co-founder and executive director of Student ACES, provides leadership training that focuses on developing core values such as respect and responsibility. This also improves kids' mental health, she said. Send podcast guest ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/    

Because hockey can be an emotional game, youth who play hockey need to develop an emotional IQ. That's the message from Luc Beausoleil and Jeff Jarvis, co-founder of Ventura Vikings, a program for young athletes interested in playing hockey in college and professionally. The former professional hockey players give tips about how to help kids control their emotions and let go of games and mistakes.  Creating a supportive team culture and strong relationships help kids meet these goal, they say. Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Submit podcast guest ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Visit our youth sports psychology blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/  

When sports kids are feeling burned out, they aren't as interested in going to practices or games. They don't get as excited about wins, says Andrew Simpson, chief vision officer for Player's Fitness and Performance. But being burned out is a choice, he says. He helps kids understand their choices and suggests ways to avoid burnout--taking a day or a season off or switching to positions that suit them better, for example. Perfectionists are most likely to burn out, says Simpson. Parents and coaches can help them by suggesting they avoid negative thinking and focus on what they do well. Submit podcast ideas here: https://www.peaksports.com/contact-peak-performance-sports/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Follow our youth sports psychology blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/  

Parents of kids as young as 7 or 8 are asking for Ashley Eckermann's help. Most of them are grappling with fear of failure. Eckermann, founder of Maximize the Mind Mental Performance Coaching, asks for lots of detail about kids' worries and goals so she can tailor her suggestions to each young athlete's situation. She also avoids using the term "be positive" because she thinks it creates high expectations in kids. Submit podcast episode ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our blog:  https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/

It's possible to speed up young athletes' thinking and reaction time, says Dr. Ryan D'Arcy, a sports dad, professor and president of NeuroCatch, a medical device startup that evaluates cognitive function. For example, he recently used red light therapy to speed up a football player's cognitive processing by 70 milliseconds. Speeding up processing this way can help young athletes perform better and avoid concussions, he says. He provides sports parents tips for optimizing kids' brain health. Email Dr. D'Arcy at  ryan@healthtechconnex.com Send podcast ideas: LisaEllenCohn1@gmail.com Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/        

When kids make mistakes or are struggling during a game in youth sports, it's not easy to quickly switch to positive thinking. Instead, young athletes should embrace neutral thinking first. This involves focusing on improving one skill. This gives kids something positive to focus on, rather than filling their minds with negative thoughts. Send us podcast ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/    

Rather than telling sports kids how to play, parents and coaches should help kids develop their signature style, says Craig Lambert, former chief sports writer at Harvard Magazine. Kids should begin with strategy, and build their game around that. Technique should follow, he said. Parents should let kids experiment and improvise to develop their own style. This will help them build confidence. Send podcast ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/        

Carter Hogg, a 20-year-old college football player and inventor of a neck guard to help athletes avoid injuries, discusses the fear of getting injured and the challenges of coming back after an injury. Send ideas for podcast interviews: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Read articles about youth sports psychology: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/about-the-authors/    

Sports kids face a number of challenges when their identity is wrapped up in sports, said Dr. Becca Wallace, a clinical pediatric psychologist at Children's Hospital in New Orleans. When they get overly involved in sports, their identity becomes closely tied to being athletes. If they're injured or have to stop playing sports, it can be devastating for young athletes whose identity is too tied to sports, she said. She suggests that parents help young athletes create more balance in their lives. Send us podcast ideas here: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Check out our youth sports psychology blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/about-the-authors/

There's so much goodness that can come from participating in youth sports, but ensuring kids experience that goodness requires teams to establish team cultures based on clear expectations of players, parents and coaches. Team agreements and ethical coaching can help create the opportunity for sports kids to benefit from all that sports offers. That's the word from Katie Steele and Dr. Tiffany Brown, co-founders of the nonprofit organization Athletes Mental Health Foundation. Brown and Steele describe how coaches and leagues can forge team agreements and focus on ethical coaching. Send podcast ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our youth sports psychology blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/  

Kids get emotional in street hockey. They might throw their hockey sticks because they missed a shot, for example. Coaches with the Charlotte Street Hockey League deal with such behavior by inviting kids to express their feelings, and then trying to help them find more appropriate ways to communicate. The coaches also focus on teamwork and equal playing time, all the while searching for teachable moments, said Josh Greco, the nonprofit organization's youth director. For more information about the league, visit Joshuargreco.com. To send us ideas for podcasts: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/contact/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit out youth sports psychology blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/              

The L.E.A.D. Center for Youth in Atlanta focuses on helping Black kids and teens learn skills that help them excel in life--and the program is working. About 60% of Black students in Atlanta public schools graduate, said Kelli Stewart, co-founder of the program. Those who participate in the L.E.A.D. program have a 100% graduation rate. Send podcast ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/contact/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/

Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Field Champion DeAndre Dukes recently led his players--from underserved communities in L.A.--to a baseball championship game by focusing on mental game skills, emotional intelligence and connection. Coach Dukes' team played in the "World Series," and made it as far as the championship game, which took place in Florida at the Jackie Robinson Training Center. Dukes concentrated on learning about the kids and their families, bonding with them and teaching them emotional intelligence skills. Send us podcast guest ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Check out our youth sports psychology blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/          

When kids' sports culture is toxic--when coaches yell at and embarrass kids, for example, it can hurt kids' mental health and self esteem. Hillary Cauthen, a sports psychologist and author of "Hello Trauma: Our Invisible Teammate" gives tips for helping kids cope with toxicity in youth sports. Kids can do deep breathing or take time for mindfulness exercises, she says. Send podcast ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/contact/ Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597    

Kaig Lightner founded Portland Community Football Club 10 years ago, providing coach mentors, free uniforms and no-cost or low-cost opportunities for immigrants and others living in low-income communities. The program focuses on creating a culture of connection, encouragement and trust. Player growth is more important than winning games. Now the program has 235 players, 15 coaches and three staff members in Portland, Oregon, and Lightner has plans to expand to other areas of the country through its Liberate Sports program, which aims to remove the barriers that prevent low-income kids from participating in sports. Learn more about the program: https://www.liberatesports.org/ Send ideas for podcast guests: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/    

With hula hoops, teddy bears and competitions, Rally Day Camps aims to ensure youth sports is fun for all ages. Kevin Hoover, CEO of Rally Day Camps and a former baseball player at Fordham University, explains why having fun is critical to young athletes and discusses how sports fun translates into other areas of kids' lives. He also describes how the camps reward kids who demonstrate strong mental game skills. Send us ideas for podcast guests: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to the Ultimate Sports Parent podcast on Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our youth sports psychology blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/                

Archery can provide many benefits to kids, including confidence, focus and a feeling of success. Kids realize these benefits quickly because they often feel successful early into their training, said Tommy Floyd, president of the National Archery in the Schools Program. Floyd is a former school principal who says archery is an especially important way to engage kids who otherwise don't engage in school activities. Send us ideas for podcasts: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Check out our Youth Sports Psychology Blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/  

Kids' mental game is critical to youth sports--and improving mental health can boost kids' mental game and performance. That's the word from Laura Erickson-Schroth, chief medical officer at The Jed Foundation (JED), which works in school sport programs and sports organizations to improve kids' mental health. Send us podcast episode ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/contact/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/  

Kids and teens say they lack connections with adults in their schools, says Paul Caccamo, CEO and founder, Up2Us Sports, a coach training program. Youth coaches can fill in the gap and build resilience, improved focus and self-esteem in young athletes, he says. To meet that goal, Up2Us partners with schools and community groups, and works on the ground to entice kids to join teams. Send us podcast ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/contact/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our Youth Sports Psychology blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/category/youth-sports-psychology-blog/  

When kids skip breakfast, they have trouble focusing and underperform in sports, said Steph Magill, a registered dietitian and mother to two teen athletes. Too often, young athletes don't eat enough because they have such busy schedules. She gives suggestions for when and what to eat before games, and gives specific suggestions for meals and snacks.  Subscribe to this podcast on Apple: Ultimate Sports Parent on Apple Podcasts 

When sports kids see other young athletes perform well in social media, they make comparisons, which can sink their confidence. Often, a 10-second clip on a social media site involves many takes, and can be misleading. But sports kids often don't realize this and feel like they don't measure up, says John Willkom, a former Division 1 basketball player and author of Walk-On Warrior and No Fear in the Arena. Young athletes should focus on their own strengths, he said. Send ideas for podcast guests: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/

When athletes feel pressure, they naturally tend to panic, said Conor Hogan, author of The Gym Upstairs: The Neuroscience of Future Champions. If they understand some of the neuroscience of sports, they can calm themselves with techniques like visualization and meditation, he said. Send us ideas for podcast guests: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our youth sports psychology blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/      

In high school, girls in sports drop out at higher rates than boys. Kathryn Ackerman, a physician and dirctor of the Female Athlete Program in the sports medicine division of Boston's Children's Hospital says that girls in sports deal with numerous societal pressures. They feel like they should look feminine, should avoid acting "bossy" and should have certain body types--among other issues. Girls and women also experience higher rates of concussions and ACL tears than male athletes, she said. Another challenge is a condition called "relative energy deficiency" caused in part by not eating enough. Ackerman gives tips for parents of girls in sports and suggests parents visit https://www.childrenshospital.org/programs/female-athlete-program to learn more about the challenges female athletes face. Send us ideas for podcast guests: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597

Sports kids coping with performance anxiety, low confidence and other mental game challenges can benefit from hypnotherapy, said Lark Ericson, a certified hypnotherapist and life coach. During her sessions, she walks kids through possible games or competitions, raises their stress level, then helps them reduce stress on their own.   Her techniques are a much deeper dive than visualization, she said. Send podcast ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/  

Empathy is a powerful confidence builder on youth sports teams, says Dr. Conor Hogan, author of The Gym Upstairs: The Neuroscience of Future Champions.  Empathy from coaches and teammates can help young athletes cope with pressure, he said. The athletes know that the team members will always support them. When young athletes feel empathy from team members, they are less likely to get hung up in negative thinking, he said. Send podcast guest ideas to: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/contact/        

Performance anxiety, mistakes and low confidence are some of the mental game struggles girls grapple with on Leah Jantzen's high school volleyball team. Jantzen, an Ironman and marathon runner and a mental health and performance coach for Ward Melville High School, says that setting intentions is one way to address these challenges. In addition, she suggests that sports kids set short- and long-term goals and focus on the process--not the score or win. Send us podcast guest ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/contact/ Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Check out our youth sports psychology blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/  

Karate is all about the mental game, says Master Rande Lawrence, head instructor at Lawrence World Class Karate in Fayatteville, N.Y. He helps Matthew Killian--a blind 23-year-old who has autism spectrum disorder--use his strong mental game in karate.  Killian won two gold medals at his first competition, April 30. Lawrence explains how he achieved this feat. Submit guest ideas for this podcast: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/ Subscribe on Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597    

Athletes need to park their egos at the door and embrace teamwork, says Syd Abernathy, a two-time All-American former Navy lacrosse player who was recently inducted into the Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame. He explains why it's important to be a "serving leader" who has an open mindset. Send podcast ideas to https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/contact-ultimate-sports-parent/    

What's the downside of elite and travel teams for young athletes? These teams require parents to pay, and that creates a dicey relationship among parents, kids and coaches, says Hal Phillips, a former sports parent and youth sports coach, plus author of "Generation Zero: Founding Fathers, Hidden Histories and the Making of Soccer in America."  On pay to play teams, kids often don't know where they stand. That's because coaches don't want to lose the income from having kids on their teams so aren't always completely open about their abilities, he argues. Send ideas for podcast interviews: Contact the Ultimate Sports Parent podcast Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts Visit our blog: Youth Sports Psychology Blog at the Ultimate Sports Parent      

Sports parents need to show their young athletes that they care about more than the win. That's the word from Wayne LaMarre, clinical professor and director of the athletic training program at the University of New England. He's also on staff for the Women's National Ice Hockey team. Often, the elite hockey players worry that they'll be replaced by someone waiting in the wings if they make mistakes or get injured. This causes anxiety and makes it difficult to form a cohensive team. LaMarre and his associates create an "oasis" for these players. "We care about the wins and losses but care more about you--your physical and mental health," he tells the players. Sports parents also need to create an oasis and show they care. LaMarre gives tips for doing this. Send us podcast ideas: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/contact/ Subscribe to this podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597 Visit our blog: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/contact/        

Sun Sachs can speak from experience about burnout in sports. The CEO and founder of Rewire Fitness--which helps athletes develop mental fitness--began bike racing as a young kid, and worked his way up to an elite level. At the age of 26, he quit, and couldn't look at a bike for more than eight years. Now he helps other athletes focus on mental fitness. The Rewire Fitness platform is based on neuroscience and sports psychology.  Submit podcast guest suggestions here: https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/contact/ Visit us at https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/ Subscribe to this podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-confidence-in-young-athletes/id1602758597