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Archive for the ‘Youth Sports Articles’ Category

22 Aug 2012

The Fear of Striking Out

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Written by , Posted in Articles for Athletes, Sports Psychology, Youth Sports Articles | 2 Comments
The Fear of Striking Out

Fear of failure is a common issue in sport psychology. Fear of failure is characterized by high expectations, a strong desire to success (and not fail), anxiety or tension, worrying too much about results or outcomes, social approval issues or worrying too much about what others think, and performing with a serious, controlled mindset. Are you afraid of striking out before and during your at-bat? Babe Ruth once said “Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.” Fear of striking out will cause you to get in your own way with fear, anxiety, tension, and worry […]

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19 Jun 2012

Understand THE ZONE in Sports

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Written by , Posted in Articles for Athletes, Articles for Coaches, Sports Psychology, Youth Sports Articles | 11 Comments

The “zone” is a state of supreme focus helps athletes in all sports perform at their peak potential. It is when your mind fully connects with achieving a goal, such as getting a hit, or stealing a base. Attention is absorbed into the present (the here and now only). When you’re in the zone your mind only processes the thoughts and images that help you execute your task successfully. Entering the zone requires total commitment your game plan and the process of winning. Many athletes have mental barriers that limit their ability to enter the zone, such as fear […]

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14 Jun 2012

Performance Anxiety and Pregame Jitters

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Written by , Posted in Articles for Athletes, Sports Psychology, Youth Sports Articles | 8 Comments

Many athletes feel performance anxiety in the opening minutes of the game. You may feel butterflies in your stomach or your heart pounding. Some athletes like to feel pregame jitters before competition. These athletes think of pregame jitters as a sign of readiness and energy. Other athletes think of pregame jitters as a sign of nervousness. Pre-game jitters are a natural part of competing and a sign you are ready to embrace competition. Even the best athletes in the world get the jitters.   Michael Leighton, goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers, admitted to feeling nervous before his first NHL playoff […]

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13 Jun 2012

UK Sports Psychologist Helps Youth Team

Written by , Posted in Articles for Parents, Sports Psychology, Youth Sports Articles | 17 Comments

A youth football team or soccer team as well call it in the states, has called in a sport psychologists to help their young athletes gain a mental edge over their opponents. The Edinburgh team has developed Scottish internationals like John Collins and Kenny Miller in the past, but some parents have questioned the club’s extreme measures. The club defended the move and said that suitable discussions were held before bringing in the psychologist. “We spoke to the parents first about using performance psychology and they’ve been very supportive,” said club leader Tam Smith. “It’s about creating positive thinking […]

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26 Apr 2012

Tips for Breaking Free of a Slump

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Written by , Posted in Articles for Athletes, Articles for Coaches, Articles for Parents, Sports Psychology, Youth Sports Articles | Leave a comment

1. Focus on your performance instead of results. Do not become obsessed with or pay so much attention to your wins or personal statistics. Instead, focus on your actual performance such as improving your pre-at-bat routine  or enhancing your quarterback skills to read defensive formations. 2. Stop making comparisons to your competition. Don’t worry about athletes or teams that are passing you in order or rankings. Focus on small performance gains and areas you have to do to improve your game daily. 3. Stay committed to your dream in sports. When you are in a slump it is easier […]

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24 Apr 2012

How to Perform Your Best in Big Games

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Written by , Posted in Articles for Athletes, Articles for Coaches, Sports Psychology, Youth Sports Articles | 4 Comments

Playing in the big game can present several mental game challenges for athletes. The ability to cope with the pressure is key to allowing athletes to reach peak performance in key situations. Pressure  can cause you to focus on results, tighten up and try too hard. When the season is on the line with a championship game, do you rise to the occasion, or fall under pressure? The best athletes and teams do raise the level of the performance in big games. They thrive on big games. Philadelphia Flyers stepped up in the 2012 playoffs to reach their first Stanley Cup finals […]

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11 Feb 2012

Letting Go of Errors and Mistakes

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Written by , Posted in Articles for Athletes, Articles for Coaches, Articles for Parents, Sports Psychology, Youth Sports Articles | 3 Comments

Mistakes or errors occur every day in baseball, but many players don’t have the mental game that allows them to let go of errors and this hurts their chances for success. Errors such as missing a throw, botching a simple ground ball, striking out at the plate, or dropping a pop up occur all the time in baseball. Nobody is perfect, therefore errors are just another part of the game. However, these errors often become a huge mental barrier for athletes who cannot cope with mistakes, and as a result it affects their performance. In many cases, especially with […]

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15 Apr 2011

Composure in Sports

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Written by , Posted in Articles for Athletes, Sports Psychology, Youth Sports Articles | 1 Comment

In order for athletes to excel in competition and tap into “the zone” they must be in control of their emotions, and remain in control after mistakes or setback. Composed athletes have the ability to remain calm, persistent, and in control under pressure situations or after mistakes. These athletes are “gamers” who thrive under competitive pressure and are able to raise their level of performance during competition. They have the ability to quickly let go of errors and control their emotions after setback or committing a mistake such as Kobe Bryant, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, and Roy Halladay. Of […]

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14 Apr 2011

Keep Big Games in Perspective

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Written by , Posted in Articles for Athletes, Sports Psychology, Youth Sports Articles | 1 Comment

Athletes experience more pressure and anxiety before big games because there is higher significance attached to their performance. It is important that athletes maintain a balanced level of anxiety when preparing for and during an important event. Too much anxiety will limit athletes’ ability to reach peak performance and no anxiety can lower athletes’ motivation to prepare efficiently. It is natural for athletes to experience some anxiety, nerves, or butterflies before a big event. This is a sign of intensity that can be used to enhance athletic performance. I refer to this as a sign of intensity because it […]

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12 Apr 2011

Sibling Rivalry in Sports

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Written by , Posted in Articles for Parents, Sports Psychology, Youth Sports Articles | 3 Comments

Siblings naturally compete with each other in all areas of life and sports can increase sibling rivalry. When siblings are involved in sports, especially the same sports, they compete for praise and attention from parents often to be recognized as the better athlete. Some siblings are jealous of each other and hold grudges while others show support and give encouragement. When siblings compete in sport as teammates or opponents there will always be a rivalry present which can be positive. It pushes them to become better athletes and teaches them how to handle conflict, cooperate, and manage frustration and […]

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