Why does that kid play harder than my kid? Why isn’t she/he running off the field? He needs to start working out? Relax, why are you getting so stressed out?
If you’re a parent of an athlete you have probably asked your son or daughter these questions or you’ve heard someone bring it up in conversation. The answer could actually be a question- what’s the athlete’s mindset?
When two physically gifted and well trained athletes enter the competitive arena why does one seemingly have a clear advantage over another? Or as the competition enters the final round or “4 th quarter” why does one athlete seem to crack under the pressure, or seems unable to move on from a mistake. The answer is mindset training.
Some coaches take the time to research and teach positive mindset techniques to their players, some players take it upon themselves to read or watch videos of athletes they admire- in an attempt to emulate their professional heroes. If your son or daughter is fortunate to be in both of those categories congratulations they’re amongst a unique minority.
For the rest of us, our kids play for a coach that’s typically over-worked, volunteering and teaches kids a sport that has given them so much. Coaches–coach because they absolutely love it. Millennials don’t typically have that get up and go attitude to train and prepare mentally unless they’re inspired and taught how to do so.
That’s why I have become obsessed with teaching parents, coaches and players how to achieve the optimal mindset for performance. Parents have the ability to accidentally unravel months of preparation before an athletic contest and they have the power to teach and model the best mindset practices for their athlete.
With nearly two decades of experience our consulting group has seen kids as young as four take ownership over their physical preparation and fall in love with the story they created about their upcoming athletic achievements.
Check out the video on mindset training for parents of athletes- simple ideas, that aren’t necessarily easy to implement. But you can do it! Your son/daughter will be better because of your efforts.
Robert Anderson, Jr.
Performance Trainer/Educator/Speaker
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Robert is a New York State High School Boys Lacrosse Coach of the Year. He’s a personal trainer that specializes in speed training and lacrosse skill development. He has an MA in Education and lectures on best athletic mindset practices for parents and athletes to implement into their lives. Owner of Make The Cut Consulting, LLC that works with serious clients nationally.
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