The Unexpected Struggles Athletes Are Facing This Season... (And How You Can Help)

As a parent, you want to support your athlete through the highs and lows of their season. But sometimes, the struggles they face aren’t the ones you were expecting. Whether it’s a dip in performance or frustration with team dynamics, these challenges are more common than you think—and there are ways you can help them work through it.

Here are some surprising struggles your athlete might be dealing with this season:

1. Performance Dips

Even after months of hard work, your athlete might be frustrated when their performance doesn’t match expectations. The pressure to succeed can lead to overthinking, which often causes performance to decline further.
What You Can Do: Encourage them to focus on what they can control—like their effort and attitude—instead of fixating on the outcome.

2. Confidence Drops

Confidence naturally fluctuates. One week, your athlete might be at the top of their game, and the next, they’re second-guessing themselves. Confidence drops can be triggered by losses, mistakes, or even tough practices.
What You Can Do: Help them recall past successes and positive feedback to remind them of their strengths.

3. Mental Fatigue

Physical fatigue is easy to identify, but mental fatigue often flies under the radar. If your athlete seems more irritable or 'off,' they could be mentally exhausted, which can lead to burnout if not addressed.
What You Can Do: Encourage mental breaks like deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, or even a short nap to give their mind time to recharge.

4. Team Dynamic Frustrations

Not all teams click perfectly from the start. Your athlete might be struggling to find their role or feeling frustrated by the team dynamic.
What You Can Do: Create a safe space for them to talk openly about what’s going on. Encourage them to focus on what they can contribute to improve the team’s chemistry.

Supporting your athlete through these challenges is key to helping them grow, not just as an athlete but also as a person. By recognizing these struggles early and providing the right tools, you can help them turn setbacks into strengths.

If you’re seeing any of these struggles in your athlete, know that it’s completely normal. Every season comes with its ups and downs, and what matters most is how they (and you) handle them. With your support, they can tackle these challenges and come out stronger.

Ready to help your athlete stay mentally strong this season? Email [email protected] for program options!