Learn actionable, science-backed strategies to help parents and coaches build confidence in teen athletes. Discover how to improve self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and unlock peak performance in young athletes through mindset training and positive reinforcement.

What separates top-performing young athletes from the rest often comes down to how they prepare mentally on game day. In this guide, we explore proven pre-competition rituals—like music, self-talk, and breathing strategies—that help boost confidence, sharpen focus, and calm nerves in teen athletes. Whether it’s jiu-jitsu, soccer, hockey, or wrestling, these science-backed techniques can elevate performance when it matters most.