By DROPBOMBS Hitting

Mental health is a crucial aspect to consider in youth sports as it can significantly impact the enjoyment of the sport, long-term participation, development of young athletes, and overall well-being of our youth.

Healthy competition is essential for their growth and personal development. It teaches important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, goal setting, fair play, and good sportsmanship. But today’s young athletes often face various pressures, including parental expectations, coach pressure, and the desire to succeed. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout which can cause them to experience a range of emotions such as frustration, disappointment, and self-doubt. It can be a very emotionally challenging time for our young athletes. So it’s also important to focus on the enjoyment of the sport and personal growth rather than solely on performance and winning.

It is essential to recognize signs of mental health issues in young athletes, such as persistent sadness, withdrawal, sudden changes in behavior, or a decline in academic performance. Addressing these concerns and providing the appropriate support, which may include seeking professional help from a mental health expert should be a priority.

Introducing young athletes to basic mental training skills can have long-lasting benefits. It is crucial nowadays to teach young athletes how to manage their emotions, develop resilience, and cope with setbacks in a healthy manner. Mental training techniques such as goal setting, visualization, positive self-talk, and relaxation exercises can enhance their performance, build confidence, and improve their ability to handle stress.

Coaches, parents, and administrators can all play a part to create opportunities for dialogue and provide resources for mental health support when needed. Encouraging a balanced lifestyle that includes academics, social activities, and time for relaxation can also contribute to overall mental well-being and foster a positive sports experience.

DROPBOMBS Hitting provides the following resources to help you on your journey:

Mental Training Journal by Lindsey Gorman 

Mental Training ProgramMental Training Membership Information: Sign-Up

The DROPBOMBS Mental Training program is not a substitute for professional help.  The Audio recordings nor the Journal is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. Please seek help from a qualified healthcare provider.  If you want to harm yourself or others, reach out now.  24hr help is available.  Call 1-800-273-8255 or Text “home” to 741741