Things are a lot different for student athletes right now. Some programs are continuing and others are on hold but my son is still very eager to get back to sports. I have found this to be a great time to focus on his goals and make some progress with his skills and confidence. If you want to build confidence in your student athlete here are some tips to keep them optimistic, focused on their goals and confident during this time and beyond.
Build on their Strengths
Idle times like weekends, off season, and extended school breaks are great for focusing on your athlete’s goals. During these times help them to build on their strengths. Chances are if they are great at something getting better at it will make them even more confident. Do they have a great three point shot? Got a mean back hand? Does their speed give them an advantage? Work with your student to build on these. Teach them new techniques and strategies to make them even better. I always tell my son to be the best defensive player on the court, because that’s his strength. It’s makes me so happy to see him on the court defending with confidence.
On the other hand it’s imperative to work on their weaknesses. While building on their strengths will help them gain the confidence they need to be successful, working on the things that they need to improve are important too. But instead of looking at them as weakness, I like to position them as “opportunities for improvement” to my son. His jump shot has come such a long way from working hard at improving this area of his game. Positive positioning always wins.
Help them Practice Good Hygiene
During school my son would have varsity basketball and physical education as soon as he arrived. This meant he would be sweating a lot first thing in the morning. Then he would stay after school for basketball practice just before playing in a game. Going all day without freshening up after that is definitely a personal foul, so I always make sure he has his Degree Advanced Protection deodorant with him. It’s long lasting freshness helps him keep cool and calm when the heat is on.
Degree Men’s Advanced Protection Antiperspirant deodorant is designed to keep him dry. The MotionSense® technology is working every time he moves. It provides up to 48 hours of protection against sweat and body odor which means it stays active all day. And that is perfect for active teens.
I’ve heard from other sports moms that they have a hard time getting their athlete to practice good hygiene, but now is a great time to break bad habits. Build confidence in your student athlete by helping them practice good hygiene. Keeping them stocked with the right personal care products will help. I buy all of his Unilever Men’s Grooming products at Sam’s Club. It’s so convenient using their online shopping and pickup option because I buy so many things there already. It’s truly a one stop shop especially for large families and bargain shoppers.
After a long busy day my son loves to come home and take a hot shower with another one of his faves, AXE body wash. I buy the two pack AXE Body Wash for Men in Phoenix because it’s an ultra-size, easy-to-dispense pump and lasts longer than the regular size. The AXE Body Wash in Phoenix leaves hime feeling clean, fresh and rejuvenated. The scent is a classic, masculine, fruity fragrance that features lavender and citrus.
You can buy any two Axe, Degree Men, or Dove Men + Care items, and get $5.00 off at Sam’s Club right now. The offer is valid from 10/7- 10/25 in-store at Sam’s Club and online via samsclub.com.
Better hygiene will help you athlete feel more confident to play at their best without feeling self conscious.
Provide Support and Understanding
When my son is feeling less then confident I realize it’s because he really wants to go to the next level with his talents and is feeling like he may not have the chance to get their with his current skills. I always tell him how amazing and talented he is at sports and so many other things. I also make sure that he understands the importance of hard work, commitment and improvement.
But I also listen to how he feels in the moment. I provide that support he needs and let him know that I support him and will be there to help him on his journey. The great thing about listening to him from his point of view is that he feels heard and validated in his feelings.
This is so important because he should feel his feelings and still understand that they are temporary. After we have our talks he always walks away feeling like he can get to where he wants to be. And I love seeing his game evolve in those areas we discuss.
Building confidence in your student athlete breaks down to simply being there for them and helping them enjoy the journey; the hard work, long practices, mistakes, and the highlights. At the end of the day it should be fun and bring them joy at every stage.
Build Confidence in your Student Athlete
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