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.
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 …
Coaching Young Footballers: How Personal Responsibility, Resilience & Reality Shape Success Lessons From Peter Ramage Developing young professional footballers is no longer just about tactics, technique, and physical preparation. For players aged in their late teens and early twenties, the psychological side of the game often becomes the defining factor in whether they progress into …
The Psychology of Loan Moves: How Football Coaches Can Build Mentally Tough & Adaptable Young Players With Peter Ramage The Hidden Mental Game Behind Loan Moves For many young footballers aged 17–21+, going on loan is a rite of passage, a bridge between academy football and the professional game. But for coaches, these transitions present …
Emotional Flexibility & Adaptability: Inside the Minds of Professional Footballers on Loan Peter Ramage – Assistant Loans Manager, Newcastle United Peter Ramage is the Assistant Loans Manager at Newcastle United Football Club and a UEFA A Licensed Coach with over 14 years of professional playing experience. During his career, he represented clubs including Newcastle United, …
How To Deal With Playing Out Of Position In Football By working with David Charlton, you and your organisation will be better equipped to rise to modern day challenges and better informed to thrive on and off the pitch, course or court. Where he inspires individuals and teams to: Cope with pressure and challenges more effectively …