Weekend Mental Performance Tip – Helping Young Athletes Excel in Their Team Role

Hey there, awesome young athletes and supportive sports parents! Welcome to this week’s Weekend Mental Performance Tip! With games and practices happening this weekend, I’m sharing an easy strategy to help young athletes shine in their team roles—whether you’re a soccer goalie, a basketball point guard, a baseball shortstop, or a volleyball setter. At The Purpose Driven Athlete, I’ve spent over 20 years helping athletes ages 8 to 18—like baseball players staying focused at bat, tennis players closing out matches, and 8th graders keeping their cool—excel in their sports. Today’s tip is all about the “Know Your Role, Play Your Role” framework, a simple way to boost your team performance this weekend.

What Does It Mean to Excel in Your Team Role?

Every player on a team has a special job—a role that helps the team succeed. A goalie stops shots, a point guard sets up plays, a shortstop fields grounders, and a setter positions the ball for spikes. But excelling in your role isn’t just about your skills—it’s about your mindset. When you understand your role and focus on doing it well, you become a key part of your team’s success, even if you’re not the one scoring the points. I’ve worked with young athletes who felt frustrated because they weren’t the “star” player, but once they embraced their role—like a soccer defender clearing the ball—they felt proud and helped their team win!

The “Know Your Role, Play Your Role” framework is a mental trick to help you focus on your job and do it with confidence. It has two steps: knowing exactly what your role is, and playing that role with all you’ve got. Let’s break it down so you can try it this weekend!

How to Use the “Know Your Role, Play Your Role” Framework This Weekend

Here’s how young athletes can excel in their team roles during games this weekend:

Step 1: Know Your Role
Before your game, take 1 minute to think about your job on the team. Ask yourself: “What’s my role? What does my team need me to do?” If you’re a basketball point guard, your role might be passing to open teammates and setting up plays. If you’re a volleyball setter, it might be getting the ball to your hitters. Write down your role in 1 sentence (e.g., “I’m a point guard—I set up plays!”). Knowing your role helps you focus on what matters most.

Step 2: Play Your Role
During your game, focus on doing your job, not the score or what others are doing. Before a play, say your role to yourself (e.g., “I’m a point guard—I set up plays!”). Then give it your all! If you’re a soccer defender, clear the ball with confidence. If you’re a baseball shortstop, field the ball and throw accurately. Don’t worry if you’re not scoring—your role helps your team win!

Step 3: Reflect After the Game
After your game, think about how you did your role. Did you focus on your job? Did you help your team? Write down 1 thing you did well (e.g., “I passed to my teammate for a shot!”). Share it with your parents or coach—they’ll be proud of how you helped your team!

Why This Framework Works for Young Athletes

The “Know Your Role, Play Your Role” framework helps young athletes in any sport because it keeps your mind on what you can control—your job on the team. A high school tennis player I coached wasn’t a starter on her doubles team, but she realized her role was to support her partner with consistent serves. She focused on that, and her team won the match! An 8th grader in soccer felt frustrated because he wasn’t scoring goals, but once he embraced his role as a midfielder—winning the ball and passing—he felt proud and helped his team succeed. This framework helps you:

• Stay Focused: You think about your job, not the score, so you play with clarity.

• Build Confidence: Knowing your role makes you feel ready to do your best.

• Help Your Team: When you play your role well, your team wins, and you feel great!

Try It This Weekend and Beyond!

This weekend, try the “Know Your Role, Play Your Role” framework in your games. Whether you’re a goalie, a shortstop, or a setter, focusing on your role will help you excel and support your team. At The Purpose Driven Athlete, I’ve seen this strategy help young athletes feel proud, confident, and connected to their team—and I know it can help you too!

🌞 Summer: The Perfect Time to Work with a Mental Performance Coach!

As we head into summer, it’s a great time to strengthen your mental game with a mental performance coach! With school out, we can make house visits or schedule trainings during the day, fitting your family’s schedule. Our Summer Mental Performance Training Program offers amazing benefits:

• Flexible Scheduling: Daytime sessions or house visits make it easy to fit in training.

• More Practice Time: Use the summer to build habits like focus, confidence, and resilience without school stress.

• Personalized Growth: Get one-on-one coaching tailored to your role and goals, helping you start the next season stronger.

• Fun and Empowerment: Enjoy sports more with mental tools that make you feel ready to shine!

Ready to help your athlete excel in their team role and beyond? Book a free 15-minute discovery call with me today, and let’s create a summer plan to make sports a fun, confident experience for your athlete! Shoot me a text at 503-351-3812 and we can connect!

Stay Resilient,

Coach Dave

Purpose Driven Athlete

www.thepurposedrivenathlete.com

503-351-3812