Building Confidence in Young Athletes

Ultimate Sports Parent interviews popular basketball and soccer coach Tony Morones about how parents should give feedback to youth sports coaches--especially when they're upset or frustrated. He tells when and how to approach 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. 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.