When I work with athletes looking to improve their game, one of the first things sports leadership ideas I remind them of is that there is never an excuse for not being ready to play. And while this message can certainly be watered down some when it comes to really young kids with lower maturity levels, it is still important that parents work with their kids on some level so that their child’s attitude and emotional state are healthy, positive, and productive before the start of each game. The result of this mindset is greater confidence, resiliency, focus, and quite likely a greater chance for athletic success (
The Parents Playbook).While it may be true that your child is not the fastest, strongest, or most skilled athlete on the field, one area where she can be at least equal to her teammates is in her mental preparation before games. Being prepared includes staying positive, thinking about what she needs to do in the game, and mentally rehearsing the plays before the game starts. Additionally, she can quickly think through the things that are relevant (i.e. knowing what to do when she enters the game) versus what is irrelevant (i.e. who is in the crowd watching). Mental toughness can lead to increased playing time, regardless whether your child is involved in pee wee sports, varsity sports, or recreational girls and boys sports leagues.Being ready for games means having a positive, upbeat attitude (and remember, attitude is something we have under our control). Being ready also means that your child compartmentalize all the things he needs to do and put them aside moments before a game, knowing that after the game he will go back and complete those tasks at that time.Kids often struggle with being ready before games, and the results can be devastating. Think about it for a moment – if your child is not mentally prepared, it is quite likely he will perform below his ability, leading to increased frustration (and possibly an injury, or early retirement from the sport). On the other hand, kids who go into games prepared often “play above their head” and actually improve in their ability as their focus and confidence makes up for their shortage of skills.Unlike athletic talent, where kids often vary dramatically, mental preparation is something every child can learn and develop and level the playing field with their peers. Below are a few additional tips to help you get started:> Teach your child about the importance of keeping a positive and upbeat attitude. Your child’s attitude is something that is controllable, and your positive modeling can really help> Before each game do a quick run-down of the things she needs to think about in order to be successful. Your role modeling will make a huge difference!> Talk to your child about how pre-game preparation plays into game success. The more your child buys into this idea, the sooner he will begin to emphasize the importance of being mentally prepared.> Help your child develop a pre-game routine that allows her to feel comfortable, relaxed, and ready to go. As long as the routine is safe and does not interfere with the team, it will probably be OK. Some ideas might include using imagery, listening to music, or simply reviewing personal goals before going out to compete.
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