How Self-Talk Will Change Your Game
Sports kids can determine if self-talk influences their performance by thinking of competitions when they fell apart.
What were their thoughts before spiraling downward? Did they mentally beat themselves up over a mistake or tell themselves they have no talent?
Did they talk themselves out of beating a higher-ranked opponent or team with a better record? Did they use phrases such as “I can’t,” “I won’t,” or “I will never be able to?”
These are forms of self-talk. If young athletes recognize that there are times when their self-talk is negative and hurts their performance, then it is easier to accept that positive self-talk or productive statements can enhance performance.
To stop unproductive self-talk, sports kids should:
- Understand how their self-talk has impacted their past performances. In other words, kids should think of examples in practice or competitions when their self-talk hurt or helped their performance. Ask young athletes: What was your inner dialogue when you were competing at a high level? What were you thinking when you were off your game or feeling defeated?
- Identify game-time circumstances that usually lead to negative self-talk. When sports kids are aware of the circumstances that are troublesome for them, it helps them proactively take charge of their self-talk.
- During competitions, recognize when they start thinking negatively or are using self-defeating statements. To compete at a high level, athletes need to take control of their self-talk before it becomes detrimental to their performance.
- Have strategies to stop or counter negative self-statement. In addition, young athletes need to know how to change their self-talk and utilize productive, performance-enhancing language to compete at a high level.
- Be confident in their ability to implement this mental strategy. In other words, kids should practice using these strategies so they are easily implemented in competitions.
Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Bryce Huff knows how to control his self-talk…
Huff went undrafted in 2020 after a productive college career yet made the New York Jets roster despite criticism that he was undersized and was not projected to be an every-down player.
After a 10-sack 2023 season, the Eagles signed Huff to a three-year, $51 million contract. What helped Huff become a productive NFL player?
Instead of allowing negative opinions to infiltrate his mind, Huff focused on positive self-talk. Whenever Huff sees his reflection in a mirror, he has a conversation with himself.
“I tell myself who I am,” Huff said. “I say, ‘You’re the best. You can accomplish whatever you put your mind to.’”
Huff utilizes these positive affirmations daily to improve his confidence and prevent negative self-talk from hurting his game.To take control of their game, sports kids need to start with taking control of their self-talk.
They should create some affirmations or positive statements to build their confidence, such as “No one outworks me” or “I am a talented and gifted athlete.” The key to gaining confidence from these statements and improving performance is to be realistic and positive.
Related Kids Sports Psychology Articles:
- Self-Criticism In Youth Athletes
- How To Prepare Athletes Mentally Before a Game
- Mental Training for Young Athletes
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