Building Confidence in Young Athletes

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 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.

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Missy Clark, head trainer and owner of North Run Show Stables, Warren, Vermont, about the pressures and dangers her young athletes face. Clark, who trains some of the nation’s top young riders, describes one top performer who excelled at the sport’s “mental game.” Leading sports psychology expert Patrick Cohn explains why some kids excel during games or competitions.

Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Loren Seagrave, co-founder of Velocity Sports Performance--and a well-known speed and sports performance coach--about the factors that undermine kids’ confidence in sports. Coach Seagrave, who has worked with Olympic and World Championship medalists and Collegiate All-Americans, focuses on the role coaches and parents play in boosting kids' confidence. Leading “mental game” coach Dr. Patrick Cohn explains the difference between “practice” self-confidence and “performance” self-confidence.

Why and how do parents un-do a coach's lessons during the drive home from a game? How do parents undermine teamwork during the drive home? Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interviews Brian Gardner, successful youth hockey coach and Program Coordinator of Student Involvement, Maryville University of Saint Louis. Gardner explains how well-meaning parents make these mistakes. Mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn tells parents what's best for young athletes during the drive home.