Building Confidence in Young Athletes

Too often, sports kids come to practice and go through the motions, says Bobby Kipper, a former college coach and co-author of a new book, "Performance Driven Thinking." He gives tips for inspiring, motivating and focusing young athletes using "performance driven thinking."

How do you motivate young athletes? Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews

Steven Frierman, a professor at Hofstra University and a former coach who

advises coaches and athletes about the mental game.

VJ Stanley, a retired college hockey coach and youth sports

coach of 30 years who wants to change sports and bring back healthy fun for

children, gives detailed and fun tips for introducing young kids to

sports.

Brad Jubin, co-founder of "A Team That Always Plays for Each Other."

discusses the value of ensuring sports kids' Number One Priority is

supporting each other.

How does all the news about steroid use in sports hurt young athletes? Kirk Mango, national champion, Hall of Famer, and author of 201CBecoming A True Champion," says that this is a big distraction for young athletes. He explains what kids should be focusing on.

Kevin MacCauley, founder of BookACoach, describes how youth coaches can hurt or boost kids' confidence in sports. His company provides private, one-on-one coaching nationwide.

Daniel St.Andre, president of the Town and Country Lacrosse Assoc., gives tips for dealing with kids who play positions that require them to focus intensely. These kids often get upset or angry if they make mistakes.

Courtney Johnson, a silver Olympic medialist water polo player who is now a sports parent gives mental game tips for parents, based on her experience with her own children. She covers perfectionism, fear of failure and other topics.

Jack Malley, sports dad, coach, and author of “Meet the Lunatics who Run Your Kids’ Sports Leagues," addresses the pitfalls of early specialization and offers sports parents tips. When does it make sense to specialize early?

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Troy Drayton, coordinator of youth programs for the Miami Dolphins, who says distractions are a top mental game challenge for kids. He offers tips for both young athletes and their parents, saying sometimes parents pressure their sports kids too much.