By: Amanda J. Visek, Brandonn Harris, and Lindsey C. Blom
Abstract:
Working with youth athletes requires knowledge of the inherent variability in child and adolescent development that will impact the implementation of a mental training program. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of developmental considerations that should be noted when doing mental training, particularly for athletes participating in sport at mid-childhood, early adolescence, and mid-adolescence. Gender differences at these stages of development are also highlighted. Additionally, we forward best practice recommendations and learning-activities that have been tailored for each developmental stage that can be used in the provision of a mental training program in a team setting.
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Table 1 – Mental Skills Training Activities Adapted for Youth Sport Teams …
Using a concentration grid, time athletes as they complete the grid one athlete at a time while the others are creating a variety of external distractions to slow them down; can process regarding identifying relevant and irrelevant cues and strategies used to shift focus on only the relevant cues associated with the task.
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Concentration Grid is a mental skills training exercise/app for students, athletes, coaches, sports performance/psychology professionals, trainers, teachers, parents, etc. Use concentration grids a/k/a mental focus grids with student-athletes as a tool for assessment, practice and development of focus/attention skills … and for competitive challenge and fun. Make self-development a daily habit. #challengeyourself #concentrationgrid -www.concentrationgrid.com – www.mentalfocusgrids.com – www.tryconcentrationgrid.com
Concentration Grid is a mental skills training exercise/app for students, athletes, coaches, sports performance/psychology professionals, trainers, teachers, parents, etc. Use concentration grids a/k/a mental focus grids with student-athletes as a tool for assessment, practice and development of focus/attention skills … and for competitive challenge and fun. Make self-development a daily habit. #challengeyourself #concentrationgrid -www.concentrationgrid.com – www.mentalfocusgrids.com – www.tryconcentrationgrid.comConcentration Grid is a mental skills training exercise/app for students, athletes, coaches, sports performance/psychology professionals, trainers, teachers, parents, etc. Use concentration grids a/k/a mental focus grids with student-athletes as a tool for assessment, practice and development of focus/attention skills … and for competitive challenge and fun. Make self-development a daily habit. #challengeyourself #concentrationgrid -www.concentrationgrid.com – www.mentalfocusgrids.com – www.tryconcentrationgrid.comConcentration Grid is a mental skills training exercise/app for students, athletes, coaches, sports performance/psychology professionals, trainers, teachers, parents, etc. Use concentration grids a/k/a mental focus grids with student-athletes as a tool for assessment, practice and development of focus/attention skills … and for competitive challenge and fun. Make self-development a daily habit. #challengeyourself #concentrationgrid -www.concentrationgrid.com – www.mentalfocusgrids.com – www.tryconcentrationgrid.comConcentration Grid is a mental skills training exercise/app for students, athletes, coaches, sports performance/psychology professionals, trainers, teachers, parents, etc. Use concentration grids a/k/a mental focus grids with student-athletes as a tool for assessment, practice and development of focus/attention skills … and for competitive challenge and fun. Make self-development a daily habit. #challengeyourself #concentrationgrid -www.concentrationgrid.com – www.mentalfocusgrids.com – www.tryconcentrationgrid.comConcentration Grid is a mental skills training exercise/app for students, athletes, coaches, sports performance/psychology professionals, trainers, teachers, parents, etc. Use concentration grids a/k/a mental focus grids with student-athletes as a tool for assessment, practice and development of focus/attention skills … and for competitive challenge and fun. Make self-development a daily habit. #challengeyourself #concentrationgrid -www.concentrationgrid.com – www.mentalfocusgrids.com – www.tryconcentrationgrid.comConcentration Grid is a mental skills training exercise/app for students, athletes, coaches, sports performance/psychology professionals, trainers, teachers, parents, etc. Use concentration grids a/k/a mental focus grids with student-athletes as a tool for assessment, practice and development of focus/attention skills … and for competitive challenge and fun. Make self-development a daily habit. #challengeyourself #concentrationgrid -www.concentrationgrid.com – www.mentalfocusgrids.com – www.tryconcentrationgrid.comConcentration Grid is a mental skills training exercise/app for students, athletes, coaches, sports performance/psychology professionals, trainers, teachers, parents, etc. Use concentration grids a/k/a mental focus grids with student-athletes as a tool for assessment, practice and development of focus/attention skills … and for competitive challenge and fun. Make self-development a daily habit. #challengeyourself #concentrationgrid -www.concentrationgrid.com – www.mentalfocusgrids.com – www.tryconcentrationgrid.com
