#AthleteWellbeing

[coachingthenextgen]

Parents, I know you all have good intentions. We get it, your son or daughter is the next superstar athlete. But overstepping in your child's sports activities is harmful to not only their development in the game but also may severely impact the love that they have for the sport itself. To many times I have found myself having to coach the parents on the sidelines rather than coaching my players on the field.

“Every parent signs kids up for sports or activities with good intentions. [But] sometimes, there can be a line that’s crossed, where suddenly the parent becomes more involved or invested in the outcome, versus the goal of why they signed up their kids in the sport in the first place” (New York Post).

For 10 years I have coached soccer at the:

-Junior College Level

-High School Level

-Youth Level (U6-U13)

You may be surprised to learn that even the parents of my college athletes can have a negative impact on their child's growth and development. Although these parents want the best for their kids and have good intentions, without realizing it they are hindering the possibility for growth. Here are the 5 most common problems that I have seen parents be guilty of :

1: Putting too much emphasis on winning

Parents often get caught up in the desire for their child's team to win at all costs. This puts immense pressure on young athletes and takes away from the joy of playing the game. Focus on the long term development process rather than immediate results.

2: Over involvement during games

Parents sometimes become overly involved during games, shouting instructions or criticism from the sidelines. This can distract both the child and the coach, hindering the player's ability to focus and enjoy the experience.

3: Unrealistic expectations

Setting unrealistic expectations for your child's performance can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. Remember that each child progresses at their own pace and that the main goal should be personal growth and enjoyment.

4: Lack of communication with the coach

Some parents fail to establish open lines of communication with the coach. This can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities for constructive feedback and guidance.

5: Neglecting the importance of balance

Overcommitting children to multiple sports or excessive training sessions can result in burnout and physical or emotional exhaustion. It's crucial to allow time for rest, recovery, and pursuing other interests.

If you are a parent of an athlete and have found yourself guilty of any of these things, do not worry. We all want the best for our kids and if you can change your perspective and attitude you can make a positive impact on your child's development. Here are 5 things you can do to help keep your child invested and enjoying the sport:

Tip 1: Encourage effort and personal growth

Emphasize the value of hard work, dedication, and personal improvement rather than solely focusing on winning or losing. Celebrate your child's progress and achievements, regardless of the outcome.

Tip 2: Be a positive sideline presence

Cheer for your child and their teammates while maintaining a positive and encouraging attitude. Leave the coaching to the coach and refrain from excessive instructions or criticism.

Tip 3: Set realistic expectations

Understand that each child develops at their own pace and has unique strengths and weaknesses. Encourage them to enjoy the process, learn from their experiences, and set goals that are realistic and attainable.

Tip 4: Foster open communication with the coach

Establish a healthy line of communication with the coach. This allows you to understand their coaching philosophy, receive updates on your child's progress, and address any concerns or questions you may have.

Tip 5: Promote balance and well-being

Encourage your child to participate in a variety of activities and prioritize their overall well-being. Help them find a healthy balance between sports, academics, rest, and other hobbies, fostering their long-term enjoyment and development.

Remember, this is all about the KIDS. We had our chance when we were younger to play and enjoy the game, and now we have a great responsibility to pass on the love and joy that we once had on to our children and let them thrive! Good luck, and enjoy the journey.

-Coach B

[iismmumbai]

Behind the glamour ✨ of the Gold & Silver medals, there lies an untold story of every athlete that we should be aware of; A psychological rigmarole. 🧠

Though rigorous training 💪 makes an athlete physically stronger, continually pressurizing with expectations can lead them to mental breakdown & anxiety, impacting their performance. 😰

Parinaaz Irani, Sports & Performance Psychologist 👩‍⚕️ & IISM faculty, shares how the over-burden of expectations from parents 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 damaged one young athlete's confidence, refraining her from participating in the competition. 💔

A healthy mental condition plays a crucial role in an athlete's journey. ❤️

Watch Ms. Parinaaz Irani discuss how she dealt with the particular instance with thorough counseling and how Sports Psychology impacts a sportsperson's life. ���️

Click to watch the full episode - https://youtu.be/R_PqsNUzJOs?si=BNuZYq-YlZ9i8Jf_

Zafar Ali

[peterhill75]

M is for ......

Mindfulness in Sports Coaching: Cultivating Present Moment Awareness In the dynamic world of sports coaching, finding moments of calmness and focus can greatly enhance both the coaches’ and athletes’ performance. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits, techniques, and strategies for integrating mindfulness into sports coaching. By cultivating present moment awareness, sports coaches…

[emergingmoda]

Pro athlete apprehensions after a sports career can be overwhelming, contemplating major lifestyle adjustments. Yet, by creating their own brand, the transition becomes smoother and less intimidating. #ProAthleteLife #CareerTransition #AthleteChallenges #LifeAfterSports #AthleteJourney #SelfDiscovery #AthleteRetirement #SportsCareerEnd #NewBeginnings #PersonalBrand #LifestyleAdjustment #AthleteMindset #TransitionPeriod #EmbracingChange #AthleteIdentity #ProfessionalAthlete #BeyondTheGame #AthleteLife #RetirementJourney #LifeChallenges #CareerShift #AthleteWellbeing #SelfEmpowerment #FuturePlanning #AthleteSupport #AthleteCommunity #AdaptingToChange #SportsRetirement #PersonalGrowth

[iismmumbai]

In the above video segment, Parinaaz Irani, a professional Sports Psychologist and a faculty at IISM describes the process of how a sports psychologist works. 

She highlights how working with an individual athlete is different from working with a team.

Watch the full podcast to listen to a detailed discussion of Parinaaz, where she covers every aspect of Sports Psychology and how it plays a major role in the current sporting scenario.

Watch full episode on:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0rmuKO628xhj4xXYpWf72M?si=yPdxn30sSj25tx4kCuzS7A

YouTube: https://youtu.be/R_PqsNUzJOs?si=LhfWN4iGzPEWnnPo

[emergingmoda]

Former professional athletes prioritizing their physical health due to concerns over long-term implications post-sports career. #FormerAthletes #PhysicalHealth #LongTermHealth #SportsRetirement #AthleteWellness #HealthConcerns #RetiredAthlete #AthleteHealth #PostSportsCareers #HealthAfterSports #RetiredSports #AthleteLife #CareerTransition #SportsHealth #FitnessJourney #AthleteRecovery #HealthyRetirement #AthleteCare #SportsInjuries #AthleteLifeBalance #SportsRetirementPlan #SportsAndHealth #RetiredAthleteLife #AthleteTransition #HealthFirst #RetiredSportsLife #AthleteWellbeing #InjuryPrevention #HealthAwareness #SportsAfterlife