The Pure Athlete Podcast 108. Dealing with Disappointment in Youth Sports
Mar 5, 2025
Disappointment is a constant companion in youth sports, affecting both kids and parents alike. The discussion dives into the emotional rollercoaster young athletes face, from losses to injuries. Personal anecdotes provide insight into coaching decisions and coping mechanisms. The speakers emphasize resilience and teachable moments, encouraging a balanced view of effort versus outcomes. They also tackle accountability, highlighting the importance of modeling positive responses to setbacks, ensuring that joy in participation prevails over mere competition.
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Teaching Response to Disappointment
- Disappointment in youth sports is less about preventing it and more about teaching kids how to respond effectively.
- Learning to bounce back quickly from losses is critical for success in sports and life.
Shift Focus After Losing
- Encourage kids to view losses as learning opportunities rather than devastating failures.
- Teach them to quickly shift focus to the next game or tournament to maintain motivation.
Dealing with Disappointment Through Family
- Jeff Francoeur shared how his parents helped him manage early baseball disappointments by encouraging truth and perspective.
- Calling his dad after games was a crucial way to decompress and gain honest feedback.