" I'm finding new ways to motivate myself without any extra pressure. I'm just playing."
Schedule A CallSports Mindset Development and Psychological Skill Training
The goal of early training is to create a foundation of performance, perspective skills, and strategies that are supported over time to create a more refined, mature approach to performance.
This process provides the foundation of mental and coping skills that will give young athletes the best chance to perform and excel in any moment, regardless of the competition—and this alone is a great reason for conducting mental skills training.
6 Steps:
Mastering the Mental Game: Overcoming Negative Self-Talk in Young Athletes
Breaking the Cycle: Awareness is the First Step
Self-talk often goes unnoticed. The first step to improvement is simply becoming aware. Start paying attention to what you say to yourself during practices and games. Awareness alone is a strong mental tool.
Overcoming Fear of Failure: Shift the Mindset
Mistakes don't mean you failed—they mean you're trying. Shift your mindset from a fear of failure to a focus on growth. Every misstep is a step forward.
Handling Pressure: Support Over Stress
Sometimes it’s pressure, not performance, that gets in the way. Surround yourself with people who remind you why you play—not why you should be perfect.
Comparison vs. Progress: The Only Competition is You
Comparing yourself to others steals joy and progress. Track your own growth, and use others’ success as inspiration, not intimidation.
From Perfectionism to Progress: Embracing Mistakes
Perfection is the enemy of progress. Train your brain to see mistakes as messages—not measurements.
Building Resilience: The Power of Support Systems
Resilience isn’t built alone. Talk to your coach. Lean on your team. Let your support system remind you how far you’ve come.
Bonus: Progress Tracking
Reflect regularly. Journaling and feedback loops help track your mental growth over time.
Bonus: Emotional Regulation
Learn breathing techniques, self-talk cues, or routines that reset your nervous system in the moment.
Bonus: Celebrate Wins
Don’t just evaluate performance—celebrate the effort. Little wins build big confidence.
Gallery
Snapshots of growth, training, and mental wins at ABC Mental Toughness
Stay Mentally Strong with ABC
Join our mental toughness community and get tips, exercises, and updates to sharpen your edge.