The Tribune

By Dr Kent Bazard

IN the world of youth sports, winning isn’t just about physical prowess, it’s also about the mental game. This is the fascinating world of sport psychology, where young athletes discover that their greatest competition often resides within themselves and that a person’s physical performance, even with the best training and nutrition, can come down to the state of their mind and will.

In this article, we’ll embark on a journey into the realm of sport psychology to unveil the secrets of unlocking peak performance and resilience, particularly in our young upcoming champions.

The Mental Game: What is Sport Psychology?

Sport psychology is the science of understanding and enhancing mental and emotional aspects of athletic performance. It’s the secret sauce that separates the good from the great, the champions from the contenders. At its core, sport psychology helps athletes harness their inner strengths and overcome mental obstacles.

A Winning Mindset: The Power of Positive Thinking

I will be honest, in my early athlete days I used to think this was a bit of disney-musical-mumbo-jumbo. I have since experienced and witnessed firsthand how a positive mindset can elevate a young athlete’s game.

According to Dr Carol Dweck, a leading psychologist: “The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life.”

So if that is true, then this means that your mindset can directly influence your actions. So, if you don’t have the mindset of winner, also coined by Kobe Bryant as “Mamba Mentality”, you will have difficulty winning consistently.

The Growth Mindset:

One of the cornerstones of sport psychology is cultivating a growth mindset. This means viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. It’s about believing that skills and abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Perhaps one of the most powerful aspects of the growth mindset is how it reframes failure. In the journey of sports, setbacks and losses are not seen as failures but as feedback. Athletes with a growth mindset embrace these moments as opportunities to learn, adapt, and become more resilient.

Visualize Success:

Another powerful tool in the sport psychologist’s arsenal is visualization. At Empire Sports Medicine, we teach our young athletes to close their eyes and picture themselves excelling in each drill, exercise, or competition. I always tell athletes to “see themselves performing the drill properly before you move.” Visualization primes the mind for success and helps build confidence.

Coping with Pressure: Managing Pre-Game Nerves

Nerves before a big game? Completely normal. The key is knowing how to channel that energy in a positive way. Use relaxation techniques, like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, to calm pre-game jitters.

Setting Goals: The Roadmap to Success

The art of goal setting is a vital aspect of sport psychology. My goal is to help youth athletes set clear, achievable goals. Whether it’s mastering a new skill or hitting a personal best, having goals provides focus and motivation.

Confidence and Self-Belief: The Winning Edge

Confidence is the secret sauce of champions. Believing in oneself is a game-changer in the world of sports. It’s the unwavering belief that you have what it takes, that you can conquer challenges, and that you are prepared for victory. We should aim to instill a sense of self-belief in our young athletes. As they gain competence through skill development and training, their confidence naturally grows. This, in turn, motivates them to invest more effort into honing their skills, creating a positive feedback loop of improvement. Encourage them to remind themselves, “I am capable, I am strong, I am ready.”

The Holistic Approach: Body and Mind

At Empire Sports Medicine, we believe in a holistic approach to youth athlete development. Physical training is just one piece of the puzzle. Sport psychology helps complete the picture by nurturing the mental and emotional well-being of our athletes.

Conclusion: Unleashing the Potential

In the thrilling world of youth sports, the mental game is just as important as the physical one. Sport psychology offers young athletes the tools to unlock their potential, overcome challenges, and thrive in their chosen sports. So, parents and coaches, join us in nurturing not just the bodies but also the minds of our future champions. At Empire Sports Medicine, we’re here to empower our youth athletes to believe in themselves and achieve greatness both on and off the field.

As I like to say, “Believe in your power, unleash your potential!” OK that’s corny but you get the picture.

Until next week.