Parents & Guardians | Sportschology
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Parents & Guardians

Support your athlete through game day

Ask what kind of support they want, notice what they can control, and let them lead the conversation afterward.

Take the Check-In

Parent & Guardian Support Check-In

Think about your last few game days together. Answer about your own actions. Your answers stay on this page. Use the results to choose a training habit to practice.

Before competition
Sideline support
After competition
Responding to setbacks

Where to start

  1. Before competition

    Ask, “What would help today: a little encouragement, some quiet, or help getting ready?”

  2. During competition

    Encourage effort and composure. Give your athlete space to follow the coach’s instructions.

  3. After competition

    Start with, “I enjoyed watching you.” Ask if they’d like to talk now or later.

A short post-game conversation

  1. “What’s one thing you’re proud of?”
  2. “What helped you get back into the game after a hard moment?”
  3. “Is there anything you’d like me to do differently next time?”
Explore Mental Skills Together

What to do in common situations

  • They’re nervous before a game

    Ask, “Would you like help getting ready or a little quiet?” If they want help, ask what they plan to do first when they step on the field or court.

  • They’re upset after a mistake

    Give them a moment. Try, “That looked frustrating. Do you want me to listen or help you think it through?”

  • They bring up the result on the way home

    Ask about a moment they handled well. Praise what you saw them do, such as getting back on defense after a turnover.

Try it this week

  1. Before the next eventAsk your athlete what kind of support they want from you before, during, and after competition.
  2. During the eventUse the encouragement you agreed on. Notice one action you can praise afterward.
  3. Later that weekAsk what felt helpful and what they’d change about the plan.

Our game-day support plan

Fill this in or print a blank copy. To keep your answers, print or save as PDF before leaving the page.

Training Hub resources

  • Explore Mental Skills

    Use the drill explanations to learn the words your athlete hears in training.

  • Mental Warm-Up

    Let your athlete choose whether to rehearse a reset before competition.