There’s a battle for your mind, and anxiety wants to win. A few causes of pre-game stress: - Fear of playing in front of a crowd - Fear of disappointing teammates - Scared of getting injured Encourage athletes before the game, leading them toward a state of self confidence

MENTAL RETENTION in youth sports // Here is a preview, watch the FULL VIDEO here: youtube.com/watch?v=xBYVRN… #youthsports #travelbaseball #mentalstrength #travelsports

Youth sports should be about: Teamwork Resilience Courage Hard Work Competition Sportsmanship Leadership Goal Setting Discipline Health Sacrifice Responsibility But if youth sports should be anything, it should also be FUN!

Don’t jump ship cause you didn’t win the ‘ship. There’s something to be said about “commitment” that we as parents are modeling for our kids. So when we quit on a team because things didn’t go our way, don’t be surprised if your kids become quitters later in life.

Spring 2020 Season: Why does this hurt so much? battlestrong.org/2020/03/24/spr… #abca #softball #ncaasoftball #highschoolsoftball

"You're not stuck at home, you're SAFE at home." Perspective. Even during COVID-19 lock downs, we can still practice mental strength in the face of adversity.

5 Ways For Young Athletes To Stay Sane During Lockdown 1. Put On Your Uniform 2. Create A Schedule ... Read More battlestrong.org/2020/04/05/5-w… ABCA Little League USA Baseball Ripken Baseball #travelbaseball #youthbaseball #littleleague

Youth baseball may look different right now. No teammates - just me, my bat and my ball. But we can find a way to play, to move, to have fun. Do what ever it takes while being socially distant. Get out, be creative and Play Ball #baseball #youthbaseball #littleleague

Fearing failure will almost always result in poor performance. Your mind can be your own worst enemy if you let it. Instead, play like you have nothing to lose. Failure is a necessary part of the formula for success. #BattleStrong #travelball #youthbaseball #baseballcoach

Emotion is fuel that will either propel you to victory... or burn you in defeat. The end result depends upon your ability to exercise self-control. #baseball #travelball #youthbaseball #baseballcoach #mlb #highschoolbaseball #baseballdad #selectbaseball #travelbaseball

The truth is, many young minority athletes can identify with the experience of facing racism while playing in youth sports. battlestrong.org/2020/06/racism… #baseball #travelball #youthbaseball #baseballcoach #mlb #collegebaseball #highschoolbaseball #selectbaseball #travelbaseball

Mentally Tough - To overcome hardship and move forward with the right mindset Mentally Sharp - To have a clear mind and incredible focus during pressure situations Mentally Strong - The ability to control your emotions, using your mind to influence your physical behavior.

Parents: Yelling at the other team from behind the fence doesn't make your team any better. It won’t make your team improve mechanics, gain confidence or play better defense. This type of "mental warfare" at a youth game has a term: BULLYING. #letthekidsplay

A team's culture is usually a reflection of the coach. Coaches, what kind of culture do you reflect in your kids and their parents? #athlete #baseball #youthbaseball #baseballcoach #collegebaseball #highschoolbaseball #selectbaseball #sportspsychology #mentalstrength #Mindset

Every young man seeks leadership - someone to inspire him - and from that will gradually develops a set of ideals about masculinity. In other words, manhood must be taught, developed and established. #athlete #baseball #travelball #youthbaseball

It’s not one particular thing you do that makes you great, but it’s the accumulation of a lot of things you do that make you great. And that requires consistency.

Owen Carpenter of the 9U Keller Knights talks about mental strength. “You can’t be physically tough unless you’re mentally tough!” Good stuff Owen!

Motivation gets you started. Discipline keeps you going. A coach can motivate all day, but if the player doesn't have self-discipline to keep up productive habits, the player's development will suffer.

If you have any role in developing young boys (as a parent, coach, assistant coach etc.) this is for you. Take the time now to build them up and encourage masculinity. It's never too early to talk about and model manhood.

An athlete is not blessed with success, they are blessed with potential. Exceeding your potential is an ongoing, never ending battle of grit, will and determination. Mentally focusing on your potential will always keep you striving for more no matter how many successes come.