Why Young Athletes Shine in Practice but Struggle in Games – And How Parents Can Help

Hey there, dedicated parents and amazing young athletes! 🌟 

Why do young athletes often perform brilliantly in practice but falter during games? If you’ve noticed this with your child, you’re not alone! This article explores the reasons behind this gap, with a big focus on fear, offers practical ways to overcome it, and shares how parents can step in to support their athletes. Let’s dive into this summer game-changer!

Why the Practice-to-Game Gap Happens

It’s frustrating to see your young athlete nail every drill in practice, only to tense up or make mistakes in games. This gap often boils down to a few key factors:

• Fear Takes Center Stage: Fear is a major culprit. In practice, the stakes are low, mistakes are just part of learning. But in games, the pressure of performing in front of others, winning, or avoiding embarrassment can trigger fear of failure. For example, a 10-year-old soccer player might dread missing a shot with the crowd watching, unlike the relaxed setting of practice.

• Heightened Pressure: Games bring new variables, coaches, teammates, and opponents, creating a high-stakes environment. A 12-year-old tennis player might overthink her serve with a rival glaring across the net, unlike the supportive practice vibe.

• Lack of Routine: Without a consistent mental prep routine, athletes can feel unmoored in games. A 13-year-old basketball player might thrive in drills but freeze during a live play due to unfamiliar pressure.

• Overthinking: The game’s intensity can lead to overanalyzing, replacing instinct with doubt. A 9-year-old baseball player might second-guess a swing he perfected in practice, stalling his performance.

Fear, in particular, can paralyze young athletes, turning a confident practice star into a hesitant game player. Understanding this is the first step to bridging the gap.

How to Get Over the Fear and Struggle

Overcoming this fear is absolutely possible with the right approach. Here are practical strategies young athletes can use:

• Build a Pre-Game Routine: Create a simple ritual, like stretching, deep breathing (4 seconds in, 4 out), or picturing a successful play to signal readiness. Pro golfer Rory McIlroy uses a pre-shot routine to stay calm; your athlete can adapt this to ease into games.

• Reframe Fear as Excitement: Teach your child to see nervous energy as excitement. Research shows reframing anxiety as eagerness boosts performance, try saying, “I’m excited to play!” before a game, like NBA star Stephen Curry does.

• Practice Under Pressure: Simulate game-like scenarios in practice, like adding a timer or a “crowd” of friends cheering. This builds familiarity, similar to how Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky trains with distractions.

• Focus on Effort, Not Outcome: Encourage celebrating the process (e.g., “I ran hard!”) over results. This mirrors tennis legend Novak Djokovic’s focus on each point, reducing fear of failure.

• Post-Game Reflection: After games, ask, “What did I do well?” instead of dwelling on mistakes. This builds confidence, akin to soccer star Lionel Messi’s post-match mindset.

These steps turn fear into a tool for growth, helping athletes carry their practice skills into games with confidence.

How Parents Can Help Bridge the Gap

Parents play a crucial role in supporting their young athletes through this transition. Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Create a Safe Space: Avoid criticism after games. Instead, say, “I’m proud of how you tried—that’s what matters!” This reduces fear, like how parents of a 14-year-old track star I worked with boosted her morale.

• Practice Together: Join in on pre-game routines at home. Stretch with your child or visualize a play together, mirroring support seen in several professional athlete’s upbringing.

• Encourage Effort Praise: Focus on effort over results (e.g., “Great hustle on that run!”). This aligns with basketball great LeBron James’ emphasis on team effort, building resilience.

• Model Calmness: Stay positive during games, even if mistakes happen. Your calm demeanor, like that of a soccer mom I coached, helps your athlete stay relaxed.

• Celebrate Small Wins: After games, highlight one success (e.g., “You stayed focused that point!”). This reinforces confidence, similar to how a football dad cheered his son’s blocking effort.

By fostering a supportive environment, parents can help their athletes conquer fear and shine in games.

Make This Summer the Turning Point!

Summer 2025 is the perfect season to bridge this practice-game gap, with camps and off-season play in full swing. At The Purpose Driven Athlete, we offer affordable, impactful sessions—either in-person or on Zoom—that teach these skills right away. Imagine your young athlete stepping onto the field with the confidence of a pro, free from fear! Book a free 15-minute discovery call today to start this journey.

503-351-3812

Stay Resilient,

Coach Dave

The Purpose Driven Athlete

www.thepurposedrivenathlete.com