There are two bad habits that many athletes today engage in - and they do it without even thinking about it. The habits I'm talking about are NOT about drinking or smoking. The two bad habits that kill confidence are:
1. Setting unrealistic expectations
2. Engaging in self-doubt
Why are
Continue Reading
mental game tips
Bullying in Youth Sports
Bullying is an epidemic in sports, just as it is in schools and other places. The many sports parents who have written us about bullying say their young athletes are teased, harassed and threatened by bullies.
Bullies might exclude young athletes from social groups or try to intimidate them into
Continue Reading
Mental Preparation and Visualization
Did you know that mental rehearsal or visualization can help you react in competition? And you can learn a lot from Olympic athletes by picking their brains. That's why I do several interviews a year with top athletes.
Recently, I talked with Olympic Equestrian Chris Kappler about mental
Continue Reading
Managing Negative Inner Chatter
Many players maintain negative inner chatter. They have doubts at the least opportune times. Negative inner chatter happens when a player is engaging in doubt or negative thinking. Your players' negative inner chatter cannot be allowed to run unchecked. What do your players say to themselves after
Continue Reading
Pros and Cons of Homeschooling Young Athletes
There are many advantages and disadvantages to homeschooling young athletes that sports parents should consider. Young homeschooled athletes have the opportunity to interact with other children their age through sports. Sports can help all children, no matter their schooling style, build confidence
Continue Reading
Cope With Fear of Failure
Fear of failure is a massive source of stress or anxiety that sabotages your performance. Fear is an uncomfortable and often strong emotion caused by an awareness of danger or a threat. In sports, your fear is a psychological threat that is often based on worry or the importance of a performance or
Continue Reading
Do You Gawk at Opponents?
I know for a fact that many athletes focus on their opponents' size, speed, height, muscle mass, or equipment. Some athletes compare themselves to their own teammates, especially when they are competing for the same position. Most of the time, you'll make comparisons to others who you think are
Continue Reading
Cope with Bullying in Sports
Sports parents report to us that their young athletes are teased harassed and threatened by bullies. Bullies will also exclude young athletes from social groups or try to intimidate them into quitting sports. Athletes who are subjected to bullying will often lose focus, play or perform tentatively,
Continue Reading