Golf Psychology Tips: How Do You Give a Young Golfer Self-Confidence?
Confidence is an important characteristic that can be developed
Young golfer self confidence is a topic that many parents ask about. Over years of supporting parents of young athletes, I have often been asked the question, “What can I do to MAKE my child feel confident when they play golf?”
The word MAKE is highlighted for a reason here. As a parent you simply can’t make your child feel confident when they play golf. They have to learn how to think confidently as well as earning that confidence through consistent effort and positive results.
Whether you are a child or a professional golfer you are faced with quick decisions to make on the course and often under some pressure. This means golfers need to be educated on how they can help themselves feel more confident, so that they can trust their instincts in competitive situations.
Far too often, golfers young and old are overly reliant on their coaches. Children also can rely on their parents too much to try and feel confident. How often do you see children looking to their parents on the side of a hole for approval or some support or advice? It’s very common isn’t it…….. and isn’t a good thing.
Children really can learn and also need to rely on themselves if they are going to be successful as they get older.
So how can children improve their own confidence?
- Mini Goals can help. It’s common for children to worry about what other people think during practise sessions, coaching sessions or when competing. This can go on to distract them and impact their enjoyment. So setting a mini goal together for a competition around “trusting” themselves is a helpful tactic.
Trust is a big thing for children, as they can often also overthink technical elements to golf when competing. They struggle to separate what they do in practise and still have the instructions of coaches and parents in their minds when they compete.
A mini goal, could also be “fun” – some children who have perfectionist tendencies can fall into the trap of trying too hard and as a consequence they lose the fun element. Then when they make mistakes they over-react and get upset and often this results in them giving up for periods during a round – costing them vital shots. That’s where a mini goal for “effort” or “bouncing back” can be useful too.
- Today with video technology available on mobile phones, putting together a highlight reel is another great way for them to see themselves performing well. Watching this regularly can then help them visualise what they do at their best – unconsciously they then go on to believe in themselves more.
- Helping children put together a “Confidence CV” is another useful strategy. The CV should be very much focused on their strengths on the course; tactical, technical, physical and psychological. As well as their strengths away from their sport. Adding in their best achievements and moments that make them feel proud, again in and away from their sport can help them.
I’d be grateful if you could pass this article on if you feel it is helpful to other parents or coaches wanting to learn about young golfer self confidence.
Or Feel free to sign up to the “The Mental Edge” if you’d like to learn more about Golf Psychology and receive regular tips and advice.
To get in touch for one 2 one Sports Psychology Coaching with a Leading Sport Psychologist, David Charlton, based near Newcastle upon Tyne – Face to face, via the telephone, SKYPE or online via email available.
Best Wishes
David Charlton
Online Golf Performance Psychologist who supports many golfers around the world from the USA, United Kingdom, Ireland, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Australian and New Zealand, using ONLINE Video Conferencing.
Managing Director – Inspiring Sporting Excellence, Host of Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast and Founder of The Sports Psychology Hub. With over a decades’ experience supporting athletes, coaches, parents and teams to achieve their goals, faster.
T: +44 7734 697769
Search Our Sports Psychology Website
Popular Categories
"The Mental Edge"
Are you an athlete, coach or parent that would like to learn how to create sustainable high performance?
Receive our free regular emails, where I share proven Sports Psychology and High Performance tips and strategies.
If you want some support and motivation straight to your inbox, then fill in your details below.