Steps to Build Trust and Confidence Within Youth Sports Team

If you are training young athletes for a while, you will agree that some of them develop a fear of embarrassment and a lack of confidence. Various reasons lead young athletes to lose their confidence and trust.

The major factor that causes distrust in comparison with other athletes. When youth sports coaches appreciate one athlete to the extent that other players feel left out, they feel down and less motivated.

Another reason young athlete disbelieves in their capabilities is fear of losing. Many athletes even hesitate to perform when they feel their goal is unapproachable. Here are a few steps that a youth sports coach can take:

Step 1: Deal with Their Fears

The first step you can take is to understand the reason for their distrusting behavior. In most cases, young athletes fear failure, and the best strategy to deal with this problem is to enlighten the positive aspects of trying to attempt. Explain to the player that they don’t have to win on each attempt. It is okay to fail as far as they learn from their failure. Failure is the best teacher that helps us evaluate and improve our mistakes.

Step 2: Teach Them never to Hold Back

Explain to the young athlete that practice will make them perfect. They have to keep trying until they achieve success. But, never expect perfection from them. Where many young athlete coaches lose the self-confidence of their athletes is asking for perfection. Not every player has the same performance mindset, and some might learn immediately, while others might take some time. You need to give your athletes time to practice so they can perform freely without excessive thoughts.

Step 3: Avoid Comparisons

Teach young athletes that every player has an individual journey towards their goals. Although the other players might be good at one thing, there are various skills that they might not be good in. In other words, every player has their strengths and weaknesses. Many coaches try to encourage their athletes by comparing them with outperforming athletes. They don’t understand that the mindset to compare with others can result in a lack of confidence. Therefore, you should build a positive mindset for your athletes and help your athlete improve self-intimidation.

Step 4: Focus on the Process

We have been hearing from our coaches that players should choose result-oriented strategies. Well, they were wrong in many aspects by indoctrinating such motivational techniques. Players should focus on the process rather than the results. Since childhood, we have so many goals to achieve. Our goals are consistently changing as we grow. But what remains constant is our habits. When young athletes choose their habits and align their daily routines with their goals without focusing on the result, they can make a huge change.

Players lose their motivation and confidence when they focus on the results, and thoughts of failing to achieve these results lead to distrust. They should set their routine according to their goals regardless of concentrating on results. When young athletes notice a positive change in their life, they will build trust and confidence.

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