Copyright© 2011 by Protex Sports, LLC www.protexsports.com Page 1

John Ellsworth, MA • Protex Sports (www.protexsports.com)

Coaching the Perfectionistic

Young Athlete

Identify the traits that may be blocking confidence, performance

success, and enjoyment in sports for young athletes!

Copyright© 2011 by Protex Sports, LLC www.protexsports.com Page 2

Coaching the Perfectionistic Young Athlete

Athletes or parents who demand high levels of performance are rarely satisfied with

incremental levels of performance achievement because they set the standard of acceptable

performance extremely high. When the result is not achieved, they can be very self-critical and

display perfectionist traits. Perfectionistic athletes get frustrated easily after making mistakes,

engage in negative self-talk, are focused on results or outcomes, and rarely enjoy playing their

sport.

Although these athletes have an incredibly strong work ethic, are highly motivated, committed

to their goals, and want nothing more than to learn and improve, they cannot see the forest for

the trees. In fact, most athletes display some "perfectionistic" traits in their athletic careers.

Perfectionistic athletes are blocked from performing up to their abilities by their extremely high

demands for their performance with little room for error causing them to fear failure. They

worry too much about pleasing others, are anxious and stressed out or allow statistics and

winning to become most important. Perfectionists believe performance results are what make

them "good" human beings, and that others will respect them more if they perform to the

highest levels.

It is important to identify the traits that may be blocking confidence, performance success, and

enjoyment in sports. In a recent performance did you or your child want to win so bad that

the pressure and stress of this demand caused anxiousness at crucial points in the game? At

critical times, does the athlete play tentatively, with caution, and appear unsure about the next move? Are you aware that trying too hard sabotages a performance? Is practice an exercise in

being perfect or in learning how to execute? Does the athlete practice hours and hours without

achieving success?

Parents or perfectionistic athletes who are uncomfortable with their performance levels try

too hard to adhere to the demands of others and set unrealistic goals for their individual level

of talent. The key is to replace these "demanding" expectations with simple, challenging, and

achievable process goals that enhance self-esteem, build confidence, and are designed to

improve performance incrementally.

If your athlete believes he or she should pitch to win every game, you might suggest the athlete

replace the demand "I must win every game" mind set with simple process oriented objectives:

1) Focus on the target every pitch,

2) Commit to being in the present one pitch at a time,

3) Believe you can execute each pitch.