The One Thing Holding Your Young Athlete Back—And It’s Not What You Think

If you ask most parents what their child needs to succeed in sports, they’ll say things like more playing time, better coaching, stronger skills, or extra training. And while those all play a role, there’s one thing that holds kids back more than anything else—something that has nothing to do with talent or opportunity.

It’s their mindset.

Not just their ability to handle pressure or stay focused but how they interpret challenges, setbacks, and success.

What’s Really Going On?

Many young athletes get stuck in outcome-based thinking—believing their value is tied to their stats, wins, or playing time. When things don’t go their way, their confidence crumbles. They doubt themselves, hold back and start to fear failure more than they love to compete.

This negative athlete mindset isn’t something they develop on their own. It’s shaped by their environment, the messages they hear, and—yes—what we as parents say and do.

So what’s the fix?

How to Shift Your Athlete’s Mindset—Before They Step on the Field

This shift doesn’t happen in a single conversation. It happens in small, everyday moments, especially before a game.

💡 Here’s where The Drive There comes in.

Before the game, parents have a choice:
1️⃣ Add pressure and expectations. (“You need to play well today.” “You have to prove yourself.” “Don’t mess up.”)
2️⃣ Build confidence and trust. (“You’ve put in the work—just go enjoy it.” “Mistakes are part of the game.” “I love watching you play.”)

One approach makes kids tense, hesitant, and afraid of failure. The other helps them compete freely, take risks, and play with confidence.

Final Thought

The way your child thinks about competition starts long before the first whistle blows. It starts in the car, in the conversations you have, in the way you frame the experience.

The Drive There isn’t just about getting them to the game. It’s about helping them show up ready—not just physically, but mentally.