Ever wondered what are the essentials to tackle when it comes to building a champion's mindset? As we kick off our very first-ever blog post, we draw inspiration from our captivating podcast that features none other than Geoff Shreeves, the iconic soccer television journalist who’s been the Leading reporter for Sky Sports & Fox Soccer on the EPL, Champions League, FIFA Games & FIFA World Cups and our esteemed guest, Steve Round, a seasoned soccer coach with experience at renowned clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa, to name a few amongst many! Their insights, fueled by years of experience, provide a valuable backdrop as we explore practical tips to nurture the champion's mindset in youth soccer players.
In the world of youth sports, there is a lot of emphasis on physical skills and technical ability. But what many people forget is that the mental game is just as important. In fact, as per Trine University, mental toughness is the single biggest factor in determining athletic success.
So how can you help your young athlete develop a champion's mindset? Here are a few practical tips:
⚽ Focus on the process, not the outcome
One of the biggest mistakes that young athletes make is focusing too much on winning and losing. This can lead to anxiety, perfectionism, and burnout. Instead, teach your child to focus on the process of getting better. This means focusing on things they can control, such as their effort, attitude, and preparation (Sagar & Stoeber, 2009; Dweck, 2015).
⚽ Set realistic goals
When setting goals for your child, ensure they are realistic and achievable. This will help them stay motivated and avoid getting discouraged. Goal-setting theory emphasizes that specific and attainable goals foster better motivation and performance (Locke & Latham, 2002). For example, instead of setting a goal of making the national team, start with a smaller goal, such as making the starting lineup for their club team.
⚽ Teach them how to deal with adversity
Every athlete will face setbacks at some point in their career. It is important to teach your child how to deal with adversity in a positive way. This means helping them to develop a growth and champion mindset, which is the belief that they can improve with hard work and perseverance.
⚽ Help them develop a positive self-image
A positive self-image is crucial for athletic success. According to Roberts (2012), athletes who maintain a strong sense of self-worth are more likely to take risks and persevere, especially in high-pressure situations. Positive reinforcement and focusing on strengths can play a key role in building self-esteem and promoting long-term success in sports.
⚽ Create a positive environment
The environment that your child trains and plays in has a big impact on their mental state. Smith, Smoll, and Cumming (2007) conducted a study showing that young athletes thrive in environments that promote encouragement and support. They found that athletes performed better and had lower anxiety levels when coaches and parents provided constructive feedback and maintained a positive attitude.
Building a champion's mindset takes time and effort, but Vealey (2007) argued that mental toughness and resilience are key predictors of long-term success in sports. By following these tips, you can help your child develop the mental fortitude they need to succeed.
In addition to the tips mentioned earlier, here are a few other things you can do to help your young athlete develop a champion's mindset:
⚽ Be a role model!
Children learn by watching their parents and adults in their lives. Gould, Dieffenbach, and Moffett (2002) highlight that parents’ behavior can significantly shape an athlete's mindset and attitude. If you want your child to have a champion's mindset, be sure to model positive, persistent, and resilient behavior in your own life.
⚽ Help them find a mentor
Mentorship can be a powerful tool for young athletes. Bloom (2013) found that young athletes who had a mentor were more likely to develop resilience, self-discipline, and the necessary mental skills for success. Help your child find a mentor who can provide guidance and inspiration.
⚽ Don't be afraid to fail!
Failure is an inevitable part of learning. Duckworth et al. (2007) demonstrated that grit and perseverance in the face of failure are key factors in long-term success. Teaching your child to view failure as an opportunity to learn, rather than a setback, helps them develop resilience and a growth mindset.
Our podcast, which is a treasure trove of soccer wisdom, inspired this blog post. Hosted by Geoff Shreeves and featuring the insightful Steve Round, it delves into the attitude for success for young soccer players! Remember, building a champion's mindset in young athletes is a journey. So, let's nurture these young minds, instilling the spirit of champions, and watch them thrive both on and off the field. And lastly, don't forget to tune in to our podcast, where you can learn more about how to build a champion's mindset in your young athlete. We encourage you to listen to the full podcast for some amazing pointers! You can find it on Team Taca's platform.
References:
Bloom, B. S. (2013). Developing talent in young people. Ballantine Books.
Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087-1101.
Dweck, C. S. (2015). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
Gould, D., Dieffenbach, K., & Moffett, A. (2002). Psychological characteristics and their development in Olympic champions. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 14(3), 172-204.
Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation: A 35-year odyssey. American Psychologist, 57(9), 705-717.
Roberts, G. C. (2012). Advances in motivation in sport and exercise. Human Kinetics.
Sagar, S. S., & Stoeber, J. (2009). Perfectionism, fear of failure, and affective responses to success and failure: The central role of fear of experiencing shame and embarrassment. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 31(5), 602-627.
Smith, R. E., Smoll, F. L., & Cumming, S. P. (2007). Effects of motivational climate intervention for coaches on young athletes’ sport performance anxiety. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 29(1), 39-59.
Trine University. (n.d.). Building mental toughness in athletes. Trine University.
Vealey, R. S. (2007). Mental skills training in sport. In G. Tenenbaum & R. C. Eklund (Eds.), Handbook of sport psychology (3rd ed., pp. 287-309). Wiley.
Kommentarer