3 TIPS TO HELP YOUR PLAYER'S MENTAL GAME:

Quick wins for parents who want to supportβ€”not stressβ€”their athlete’s mindset.

Playing anywhere on the pitchβ€”outside the postsβ€”means mastering split-second judgment under a blinding spotlight. One mistimed tackle, one casual pass, and the whole match tilts. The mental game? It’s EVERYTHING. And as a parent, your influence isn’t just felt from the sidelineβ€”it shapes how your player sees pressure, risk, and confidence.

Here are 3 simple ways you can start boosting your field player’s mental performance today:

3 TIPS TO HELP YOUR GOALKEEPER'S MENTAL GAME:

Quick wins for parents who want to supportβ€”not stressβ€”their athlete’s mindset.

Being a goalkeeper is one of the toughest jobs in sports. Every decision is high stakes, every mistake is spotlighted, and every emotion is amplified. The mental side? It’s EVERYTHING. And as a parent, you have more influence than you might thinkβ€”for better or worse.

 

Here are 3 simple ways you can support your goalkeeper’s mental performance starting today:

1. SHIFT FOCUS FROM OUTCOME TO PROCESS

After games, instead of asking β€œDid you win?” or β€œHow many goals did you let in?”, try:
 β€œWhat did you focus on that was within your control?”
 This builds process-focus, which is how real confidence is developed. Outcome? They can’t fully control. Effort, attitude, and focus? They canβ€”and that’s where their power lies.

1. SHIFT FOCUS FROM OUTCOME TO PROCESS

After games, instead of asking β€œDid you win?” or β€œHow many goals did you let in?”, try:
 β€œWhat did you focus on that was within your control?”
 This builds process-focus, which is how real confidence is developed. Outcome? They can’t fully control. Effort, attitude, and focus? They canβ€”and that’s where their power lies.

2. HELP THEM "CHILL THE GORILLA"

Big moments can hijack the nervous system and your ATTENTIONβ€”fast. Teach them a calming breath system like 6-1-7 breathing:
 Inhale for 6… hold for 1… exhale for 7.
 Do it together before games, or even in the car. You’re helping them train their physiological β€œreset” buttonβ€”and it works.

3. BE A MIRROR, NOT A JUDGE

Post-game is prime time for spiraling self-criticism. You don’t need to coachβ€”just reflect what you noticed:
 β€œI saw how you kept your head up after that second goal. That was strong.”
 When they feel seen (not fixed), they build emotional resilienceβ€”one of the most important traits a keeper can have.

2. HELP THEM "CHILL THE GORILLA"

Big moments can hijack the nervous system and your ATTENTIONβ€”fast. Teach them a calming breath system like 6-1-7 breathing:
 Inhale for 6… hold for 1… exhale for 7.
 Do it together before games, or even in the car. You’re helping them train their physiological β€œreset” buttonβ€”and it works.

3. BE A MIRROR, NOT A JUDGE

Post-game is prime time for spiraling self-criticism. You don’t need to coachβ€”just reflect what you noticed:
 β€œI saw how you kept your head up after that second goal. That was strong.”
 When they feel seen (not fixed), they build emotional resilienceβ€”one of the most important traits a keeper can have.

Bottom line: You don’t need to be a sport psychologist to help. You just need to know where to aim your support in order to effectively guide what they learn to pay attention to. These tips are a great starting pointβ€”and if you want more, MindCoach is here to help guide the way.
 

Liked this content? Ready to level up your mindset?
Speak directly with Dr. Stuart Singer for a free 1-on-1 consultation and start unlocking your full player potentialβ€”mentally and physically.

Bottom line: You don’t need to be a sport psychologist to help. You just need to know where to aim your support in order to effectively guide what they learn to pay attention to. These tips are a great starting pointβ€”and if you want more, MindCoach is here to help guide the way.
 

Liked this content? Ready to level up your mindset?


Speak directly with Dr. Stuart Singer for a free 1-on-1 consultation and start unlocking your full goalkeeper potentialβ€”mentally and physically.

BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION 

MEET DR. SINGER

Dr. Singer has worked with Division 1 college athletes, pro athletes, National Team Athletes, and Gold Medal Olympians.
 

Bottom line is that whether you have a big upcoming competition, are stressed out with a teammate or coach, or struggling with motivation or focus, MindCoach is here to provide support and reminders, exactly when you need them.

 

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BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION 

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MEET DR. SINGER

Dr. Singer has worked with Division 1 college athletes, pro athletes, National Team Athletes, and Gold Medal Olympians.

 

Bottom line is that whether you have a big upcoming competition, are stressed out with a teammate or coach, or struggling with motivation or focus, MindCoach is here to provide support and reminders, exactly when you need them.

 

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