Empowering Your Child at the Plate Boosting Confidence in Young Athletes

Hey everyone! I wanted to share something that’s come up a lot lately.

In the past month or two (yes, I know—it’s baseball season!), I’ve had SO many parents reach out asking the same thing: “How can I help my kid become more confident in the batter’s box?”

I’ve heard it all:

• “They crush it in practice but fall apart during games.”

• “They look great until they step up to the plate.”

• “They freeze because they’re afraid of getting hit.”

• “We’ve done lessons, drills, and strength training, but they’re still struggling.”

  
  

All of those pieces matter—skill, strength, mechanics—but sometimes the missing piece is mental.

This is exactly what I’ve been diving deeper into in my work: mental performance coaching for youth athletes. I’ve taken courses, completed certifications, and woven this essential layer into my training with athletes.

Because here’s the truth: you can have the best swing, the best strength, and the best form—but if your mindset is shaky, your performance will be too.

Mental performance doesn't just impact sports—it shows up in school, friendships, and on the playground. It’s a crucial part of life training.

1. Identity & Goal Setting

We find out what makes them them. What are their strengths? Their values?

Even at 8 years old, we can explore this in a fun, meaningful way. Understanding identity helps children build self-awareness, set realistic goals, and cultivate confidence from the inside out. Research shows that kids who have a strong sense of self are 30% more likely to take on challenges, find solutions, and stay resilient.

Working together to establish goals creates a roadmap for success. Instead of focusing solely on winning, we can set goals around improvement, effort, or specific skills that are achievable in practice and during games. For instance, you might encourage your child to focus on improving their batting average by just 10% over a season.

2. Breathing & Body Awareness

Shallow breathing and tense shoulders can deeply affect mindset and mechanics.

For young athletes, it’s crucial to develop awareness around how their body feels during moments of pressure. Many kids don't realize they are holding their breath or tensing their muscles as the excitement builds. Research indicates that athletes who practice breathing techniques improve their performance by 25%, demonstrating the power of this simple tool.

I teach simple breathing strategies like box breathing and 4-7-8 breathing to help reset focus and stay grounded at the plate. Incorporating these techniques into a child’s pre-game routine can clear their mind and bring attention back to the task at hand.

Encouraging children to engage their bodies mindfully, especially in high-stakes situations, prevents them from freezing or faltering at crucial moments in the game. Visualization and mindfulness can work together to enhance performance.

3. Visualization & Rituals

I use what I call “Quick Visualization.” Just 20 seconds to mentally walk through what they’re about to do—not just seeing it but feeling it, hearing it, tasting it, and smelling it. This technique can be a game-changer for athletes. Research shows that visualizing success can increase performance by up to 40% by preparing their mind and body for the actual experience.

Furthermore, implementing a pre-bat ritual can anchor this visualization into practice. This could be a specific stance, taking a deep breath, or a small shuffle or repeat a phrase like:

• "see ball, hit ball"

• "I got this"

• "swing fast"

It doesn't have to be fancy, it just needs to center them and block out the noise.

These rituals help ground young athletes and create predictability amid the uncertainty of a game.

The bottom line is that mental preparation is as essential as physical training. While drills and hitting practices matter, focusing on mental strategies can be the piece that helps every child step up confidently to the plate.

Final Thoughts on Building Confidence

• Supporting your child’s journey toward confidence in the batter’s box is essential not only for their performance in baseball but also for their overall growth.

• By focusing on identity and goal setting, breathing and body awareness, as well as visualization and pre-bat rituals, you can help your child work through their mental challenges.

• Remember, it’s not just about the swing; it’s about strengthening a mindset that will drive success in sports, academics, and life in general.

• Encourage your child to embrace the journey, learn from all experiences—both the wins and the losses—and watch their confidence soar, not just on the field but in every facet of life.

• With the right support and strategies in place, your child will not only play better baseball but also develop skills that serve them well beyond the diamond. Let’s empower our young athletes together!