Performance Anxiety & Young Athletes

There they stand, ready to swing a bat, kick a ball or complete a pass.  We think they’re focused, determined and ready to complete the task at hand; but they’re not.  Unfortunately, some young athletes have more on their mind than just hitting, throwing catching or kicking a ball during a game. The moment they stepped onto the field, their minds went into overdrive. Racing with thoughts of what parents, coaches, and teammates might think about their performance.  They even begin to doubt their own abilities.  Anxiety is squeezing the breath out of them and they can no longer perform at optimal levels.  They know how to do what they are trained to do; but the stressors of performance anxiety that cause young athletes to feel like they are under constant scrutiny, have them performing at subpar levels.  

You get frustrated as you watch your young athlete give an inconsistent or even inadequate performance on the field.  You pay thousands of dollars for club dues, outside trainers and equipment, hoping this will help your young superstar; but something doesn’t seem to be working.  They run hot and cold with their performances and are not living up to your expectations or the coaches.  You know they can do better; so you talk to them about their commitment levels and taking the game, practice and skills clinics more seriously.  You bark orders, threats and conclude with, “I don’t need all this stress.  If you don’t straighten up, you won’t play.”  

It’s time to take a breath and step back.  Your pressure only adds to the performance anxiety and stress, they are experiencing.  You child might benefit from the skills of a Mental Game Coach.  A Mental Game Coach can help young athletes figure out what’s causing their levels of anxiety to peak during games.  He can identify the negative feelings and emotions they experience on the field and devise a plan to help control them, using the “Canon of Psychological Skills Training.”  Skills that include relaxation techniques, self-talk, imagery, goal setting and concentration.  Techniques that help build confidence and motivation and allow athletes to focus and perform at optimal levels.   

In the weeks to come we will discuss these techniques and how they can help athletes overcome performance anxiety and build upon their mental toughness.  Learn more at www.kidsandcoaching.blogspot.com.

Lonnie Horsey
Mental Game Coach