You’ve seen it: your young hitter steps into the box, takes two strikes without swinging, and walks back to the dugout with their head down. It’s not just a mechanical issue — it’s a confidence crisis.

In this solo episode of the Swing Smarter Hitting Training Podcast, we unpack the three sneaky confidence killers sabotaging youth athletes — and how to fix them with simple, science-backed strategies. If your athlete is freezing up, second-guessing their swing, or saying they don’t want to play anymore, this one’s a must-listen.

Whether you’re a coach trying to inspire consistent at-bats or a parent searching for ways to support your child without overstepping, you’ll walk away with practical tools to help your hitter feel calm, confident, and in control at the plate.

⚾ Why perfectionism quietly drains performance — and how to reframe failure as growth

🔁 The “3-to-1 Rule” for parents: a better way to give feedback without crushing confidence

🧠 The mental power of pre-at-bat routines to reduce overthinking and build ownership

📈 How to implement the “Confidence Loop” — a 10-minute twice-weekly mindset drill

🎯 Why building confidence isn’t about hype — it’s about structure, repetition, and reflection

👉 Swing Shift Daily Hitting Program – Simple, structured training designed to sharpen timing and boost confidence in just minutes a day

👉 AI for Youth Sports Course – Done-for-you parent templates, custom practice plans, and tools to eliminate confusion and unlock consistent performance

If your hitter has ever come home frustrated, frozen, or ready to quit, this episode offers a path forward — one backed by psychology, routine, and compassion.

💬 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow coach or parent who wants to raise a smarter, stronger, more confident athlete.

Let’s keep building hitters who believe in themselves — one focused swing at a time.