Building Confidence In Young Athletes1

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews David Jacobson, marketing communications manager for the Positive Coaching Alliance, about the Alliance’s new National Conversation on Coaching effort. How are people responding to tough questions about coaching? What are people writing in about? What’s on the minds of sports parents today? Providing commentary is mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn.

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Jerry Reeder, national program consultant for the American Sport Education Program about how kids can focus on being athletes first and on winning second. He stresses that it’s important for parents to understand this philosophy. He describes how he asks athletes to establish performance goals rather than focusing on outcomes and gives examples of other ways to de-emphasize winning.

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Bill Mumford, former director of tennis for the U.S. Tennis Association's National Tennis Center, about how to help youth tennis players improve their mental games. He stresses a play-based approach. Beginners should be exposed immediately--but gently--to play and competition so they can begin dealing with the mental pressures right away, he says.

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Rob Gelphman, a baseball coach and former director of marketing for National Youth Sports. He provides tips for boosting kids’ confidence by complimenting them for doing the little things—like backing up the base. Mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn talks about the significance of rewarding such positive behavior and helping kids focus on what’s important.

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interview Adam, the father of a 10-year wrestler who tries too hard to be perfect, then hesitates and over-thinks instead of following his instincts. Sports psychology expert Dr. Patrick Cohn provides tips for sports parents with kids who have trouble playing instinctively. He talks about the importance of knowing what to say to kids before and after games, and how to provide positive feedback.

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews George Klein, a coach with the Positive Coaching Alliance and president of Putnam Youth Basketball in Portland, Ore. about why parents shouldn’t coach from the sidelines. Sports psychology expert Dr. Patrick Cohn explains why parents can instill a fear of failure in their young athletes by coaching from the sidelines.

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews John, the father of a 6.5-year-old athlete who plays less creatively, intuitively and freely during games. Sports psychology expert Dr. Patrick Cohn answers these questions: Why doesn’t the boy perform as well during games? What’s causing him to tighten up and play below his abilities? Why is it so important for kids to trust in the skills they learn in practice and play freely during games? And how can parents help athletes like this young boy have fun and loosen up during games?

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Brooke de Lench, founder of momsteam.com and author of "Home Team Advantage: The Critical Role of Mothers in Youth Sports," about how moms can use their communication and networking skills to address common challenges in youth sports today. Mothers can help kids have more fun, feel more relaxed and avoid psychological and physical injuries. Leading mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn explains why it's so important for kids to have fun and why parents need to communicate well with coaches.

Ultimate Sports Parent interviews Lela, a sports mom with a high school, Olympic-caliber athlete who ranks nationally in his track event. Her problem: She lives in a small town where the track coach--who has a son on the track team--tries to undermine her son's efforts to train for the Olympics. Mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn gives tips for helping athletes tune out jealousy and focus on their dreams.

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Marty Schupak, longtime coach and president of Youth Sports Club, about how coaches can run lively practices that build kids’ confidence. He and mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn talk about the value of creative and engaging practices. Schupak provides creative ideas for building confidence in less skilled or experienced players. He explains how coaches can mix "skill" drills with “fun” drills that keep the kids engaged. Dr. Cohn explains the difference between athletes’ "practice confidence" and "competitive confidence."

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews David Jacobson of the Positive Coaching Alliance about how youth sports coaches can re-define “winning” in ways that benefit young athletes. He explains why it’s important to focus less on scoring and winning. In addition, he tells how coaches can turn mistakes into learning opportunities. Leading mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn tells why focusing too much on scoring and winning can hurt young athletes’ performance and confidence.

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Mike, the sports dad of an 11-year-old who plays baseball, soccer and basketball. Mike’s son is often singled out by his baseball coach—and teammates—when he makes a mistake. "Mental game" coach Dr. Patrick Cohn provides commentary. How can parents help young athletes cope with criticism? When and how should they talk to coaches about their style? What to do when your young athlete worries about what other kids are thinking?

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews sportsmom Genma Stringer Holmes about her three active athletes—and the importance of encouraging them to find balance in their lives. Dr. Patrick Cohn explains what happens when kids’ identities are too tied up in sports. He also addresses the dangers of specializing in one sport. Cohn and Holmes provide ideas for encouraging balance.

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Dr. John McCarthy, director of Boston University’s Institute for Athletic Coach Education, about the important role coaches serve in the lives of today’s youth. He describes the qualities of good coaches and explains how coaches and parents can help athletes take responsibility for their own learning. He tells why parents need to be more proactive in today’s youth sports scene. Dr. Patrick Cohn provides commentary about kids’ “mental game.”

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Dr. Robert Troutwine, founder of Troutwine and Assoc., an industrial psychologist who helps evaluate NFL players. He explains why young athletes should have "highlight reels" in their minds before they play. He also addresses the need for teams to build trust and confidence. Mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn provides commentary.

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Genma Holmes, a sports mom to three athletes. One of her biggest challenges has been dealing with coaches who are too focused on winning and who undermine athletes' confidence. Mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn provides advice about how to talk to coaches, how to look for "fear of failure" in young athletes, and why parents should talk to coaches about their philosophy before the season starts.

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Tom Morin, former personal coach to Olympic swimmer Matt Biondi and author of "No More Broken Eggs." He talks about why young athletes in the U.S. fail to reach their full potential. He explains why parents shouldn't compare their kids to other athletes and how they should build kids' confidence and help develop athletes who are open to feedback. Mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn provides commentary.

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews David Jacobson of the Positive Coaching Alliance about how parents and coaches can "fill a young athlete's emotional tank" by giving truthful praises. He explains when it makes sense to provide constructive criticism. Mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn talks about the importance of listening to sports kids, especially during the drive home after a game.

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Chris, a sports mom whose 8-year-old son is a talented young hockey goalie. He plays goalie so well that his team really depends on him. But lately, these expectations have led him to make excuses for not playing. What should a sports parent do in this situation? Mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn provides tips.

How can parents help their young athletes set goals in sports? At what age should parents tackle this topic with their kids? What should they do to ensure kids follow through with their goals? Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Coach Dony Wilcher, program director, Showtime Athletics, and mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn about this topic.