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From Dr. Patrick Cohn and Lisa Cohn. This might be better for the younger ages.
Do your athletes react well to mistakes? Many sports kids say harsh things to themselves after mistakes - some more than others. It's called this negative self-talk, a big confidence buster for athletes...
What is negative self-talk? Negative self-talk is when athletes call themselves names, usually right after mistakes -- without even thinking twice about it. For example, they might say: "I stink! Why did I miss that easy shot?"
Athletes with high expectations and perfectionists are very hard on themselves after a mistake. That's when you'll notice negative self-talk the most.
Here are a few common examples of negative self-talk:
Negative self-talk might be one of those mental errors under your radar. After all, shouldn't kids scold themselves after making a mistake so they don't do it again?
Not if you want them to keep confidence high!
How can your kids react better to mistakes and overcome negative self-talk? Here's the process we use to help athletes react better to mistakes:
(1) Making what mistakes causes your kids to be hard on themselves? List them.
(2) What do they say to themselves right after making these mistakes? What are the specific self-talk statements? Write them down.
(3) What's the self-talk like when they are performing well? What are the buzzwords they use for positive self-talk? Write them down.
(4) What would a positive coach tell them after a mistake? How would a super positive coach help your kids feel better after a mistake? List these.
(5) Help your athletes recognize when they are using negative self-talk and replace with new "positive coach" statements that will help them feel confident. For example:
* "I'm not perfect, let it go and move on."
* "It's okay. You're still a good athlete regardless."
* "You're the best. Keep your head up."
Think about it this way: what would a helpful coach or teammate say to your athlete after a mistake? They deserve to do the same for themselves -- react with greater confidence!
Do your athletes react well to mistakes? Many sports kids say harsh things to themselves after mistakes - some more than others. It's called this negative self-talk, a big confidence buster for athletes...
What is negative self-talk? Negative self-talk is when athletes call themselves names, usually right after mistakes -- without even thinking twice about it. For example, they might say: "I stink! Why did I miss that easy shot?"
Athletes with high expectations and perfectionists are very hard on themselves after a mistake. That's when you'll notice negative self-talk the most.
Here are a few common examples of negative self-talk:
- "I am a loser."
- "I can't believe I made that mistake, I'm awful!"
- "I stink! I should find another sport to play."
- "I can't believe how bad that _____ was."
- "I can't stand making stupid mistakes. Get it together!"
Negative self-talk might be one of those mental errors under your radar. After all, shouldn't kids scold themselves after making a mistake so they don't do it again?
Not if you want them to keep confidence high!
How can your kids react better to mistakes and overcome negative self-talk? Here's the process we use to help athletes react better to mistakes:
(1) Making what mistakes causes your kids to be hard on themselves? List them.
(2) What do they say to themselves right after making these mistakes? What are the specific self-talk statements? Write them down.
(3) What's the self-talk like when they are performing well? What are the buzzwords they use for positive self-talk? Write them down.
(4) What would a positive coach tell them after a mistake? How would a super positive coach help your kids feel better after a mistake? List these.
(5) Help your athletes recognize when they are using negative self-talk and replace with new "positive coach" statements that will help them feel confident. For example:
* "I'm not perfect, let it go and move on."
* "It's okay. You're still a good athlete regardless."
* "You're the best. Keep your head up."
Think about it this way: what would a helpful coach or teammate say to your athlete after a mistake? They deserve to do the same for themselves -- react with greater confidence!
