Many young athletes avoid risks, go quiet in games, or play passively because of a fear of making mistakes or being criticised. For some, perfectionism leads to withdrawal from competitive situations and unrealistic expectations of themselves and others. Our articles and podcasts give parents and coaches practical ways to support children in overcoming fear of failure, reducing performance paralysis, and developing a healthier mindset toward sport.
Interpersonal Confidence in Netball How Coaches Can Help Young Players Speak Up and Thrive Confidence in sport is usually associated with performance. As coaches, we often focus on helping players believe in their ability to shoot, defend, pass, or perform under pressure. But there is another type of confidence that quietly shapes many sporting environments. …
The Silent Athlete A Practical Guide for Youth Sport Coaches Understanding the quiet young athletes in your team Youth sport coaches often focus their attention on the most vocal players; the confident ones who ask questions, call for the ball, and actively seek feedback. But every team also has silent young athletes. These youngsters may …
Supporting Highly-Driven Young Adult Athletes A Guide For Sport Coaches Highly driven athletes aged 17 and above are often seen as the “easy” ones to coach. They’re committed, organised, and willing to do whatever it takes to improve. But at this stage of their development, the pressures are higher. Selection, progression, scholarships, contracts, or career …
Emotional Control & “Fear Phrases” in Youth Sport A Guide For Sport Coaches How to keep standards high without creating a fear-based culture Youth sport coaches don’t just coach skills you coach “psychological states”. Your tone, language and body language shape how children and young athletes interpret pressure. When emotions run high, many coaches slip …
Mental Toughness in Youth Sport: Words of Wisdom Every Sport Coach Needs to Hear Coaching teenagers and young athletes has never been more complex. This is the stage where talent begins to separate, expectations increase, selection pressure intensifies, and confidence can fluctuate wildly from week to week. Many young athletes look physically capable but are …
Book Review – Thinking, Fast and Slow By Daniel Kahneman Thinking Fast and Slow in Youth Sport This is a book I’ve recently read and it made me consider how it can apply to youth sport. So I thought I’d share my musings…. Teenagers who are doing well in sport often face a unique and …
Book Review – How to Talk So Teens Will Listen and Listen So Teens Will Talk By Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlis How to Talk So Teens Will Listen in Sport I’ve put a Sports Psychologist’s slant on this review to assist parents and youth sport coaches. Supporting young athletes aged 12–16 can be one …
Conversations with Kids: A Parents Guide When Fear Takes Over: How to Help Your Child Handle Pressure in Sport For parents and guardians where we give you prompts so that you can have more meaningful conversations with your children to help them build key characteristics such as mental toughness, resilience, confidence, creativity, focus and so …
Book Review – Motor Preferences for Baseball: A Coach’s Guide to Identifying and Respecting Player Strengths to Enhance Performance and Reduce Injury by David Genest and Matthew Swope Introduction: Why Motor Preferences Matter in Modern UK Sport Throughout the United Kingdom, numerous adolescents and young adults engage in organised competitive sports each week, including academy …
Case Study: Helping a Netball Player When Shooting in Matches So That She Can Overcome Fear and Build Confidence This case study explores the journey of Olivia (pseudonym), a talented 10-year-old trampolinist experiencing fear, hesitation and mental blocks when working on backward moves. An issue common among young trampolinists and gymnasts. Over several weeks, we …