Coachology Podcast
Young Athlete's Sports Psychology
Coachology Podcast
Navigating the Minds of Young Athletes: Insights for Coaches and Parents
Dive into the intricate world of young athletes with our latest episode! We explore vital aspects of cognitive and psychosocial development that every coach and parent should understand. Unpacking how young athletes think, we discuss the importance of not only their physical training but also nurturing their emotional and mental growth.
This enlightening conversation features insights into how cognitive development affects decision-making under pressure, emphasizing that young athletes are not just mini adults. We delve into psychosocial aspects, highlighting how team dynamics and emotional regulation play a crucial role in their overall success.
One of the episode’s key focuses is on resilience. We tackle why embracing setbacks as growth opportunities can cultivate a mental toughness that resonates beyond the field. Additionally, we discuss fostering autonomy among athletes, providing them with a sense of ownership over their training and decisions.
Navigating technology and its effects on young athletes is another essential topic. Balancing screen time with healthy, interactive activities promotes social skills while safeguarding their mental health.
Join us as we advocate for a holistic approach to nurturing well-rounded, capable young individuals prepared to thrive both in sports and life. Tune in, and let's empower the next generation! Don't forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and leave us a review!
Hey everyone and welcome back. You know we always like to dig deep on this show and today we're diving into something pretty fascinating the minds of young athletes.
Speaker 2:Ooh, interesting.
Speaker 1:Yeah, we spend so much time focusing on the physical side of things you know the training and all that Exactly, but understanding how their minds work is, like, just as important.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. It's like you can have a super powerful engine, but if the navigation system is all messed up, you're not going to get where you want to go.
Speaker 1:That's such a good analogy.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And that's exactly what we're going to be breaking down today. We're looking at this article from Coachology. It's called Understanding Developmental Psychology a Game Changer for Young Athletes.
Speaker 2:I love that title.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's catchy right and it really gets to the heart of what we're talking about. So this deep dive is all about giving you the insights you need to help young athletes really thrive. You know, on and off the field.
Speaker 2:And I think this article does a fantastic job of highlighting one key point right from the start.
Speaker 1:Okay, which is?
Speaker 2:Young athletes are not just miniature adults.
Speaker 1:Uh-huh right, they're not just shrunken down grown-ups.
Speaker 2:Exactly, they're still developing and their brains are wired differently, and that plays a huge role in how they how they handle pressure, how they interact with their teammates, the whole thing.
Speaker 1:OK, so let's unpack that a little bit.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:The article starts by talking about cognitive development, right. Can you explain what exactly that means in the context of sports?
Speaker 2:Sure. So basically, cognitive development refers to how kids think, learn and make decisions.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It's not just about being smart, but about the actual processes their brains are using to process information and then use that information to strategize during a game, for example.
Speaker 1:So it's like the mental game of sports.
Speaker 2:Exactly, it's the mental playbook.
Speaker 1:I'm guessing, though, that this isn't the same for every kid, right Like some kids are going to develop these skills faster than others.
Speaker 2:Absolutely, and researchers Adams and Schaefer you know, they found that kids are at different cognitive stages. Some kids might pick up on complex plays really quickly, while others need more time and support to grasp those same concepts.
Speaker 1:It's like some kids are playing the game on easy mode, while others are stuck on expert.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that's a good way to put it, and, as coaches and parents, we need to be aware of these different stages so we can adjust our expectations and provide the right kind of support.
Speaker 1:That makes a lot of sense, because if you're trying to teach a complex strategy to a kid who's not cognitively ready for it, you're just going to lead to frustration for everyone involved.
Speaker 2:Exactly who's not cognitively ready for it. It's just going to lead to frustration for everyone involved. Exactly, and the article highlights a really fascinating study by Schump and Graber.
Speaker 1:They found that athletes with strong cognitive skills actually make better decisions when they're under pressure. Oh, that's interesting. So those mental drills and exercises we do with kids, you know, those aren't just for fun.
Speaker 2:Nope, they're actually training their brains to stay focused and make good decisions when it matters most.
Speaker 1:So it's like mental weightlifting.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:Building those mental muscles.
Speaker 2:I love that. Okay. So we've established that understanding these different cognitive stages is really important, but how can coaches actually use that information to improve their coaching? Like what are some practical takeaways? Use that information to improve their coaching? Like what are some practical takeaways? Well, one of the biggest takeaways is to use drills and exercises that are appropriate for the age and cognitive stage of your athletes.
Speaker 1:Okay, so meet them where they're at developmentally.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Instead of throwing them into the deep end with super complicated plays, start with simpler exercises that challenge their thinking but don't overwhelm them.
Speaker 1:So it's like building a house you need a solid foundation before you can add on all the fancy stuff.
Speaker 2:Perfect analogy, and the article gives some great examples of how to do this. They talk about something called scenario-based training, which is basically like a mental rehearsal for game situations.
Speaker 1:Well, that's interesting. So coaches can present a specific scenario Maybe the score is tied in the last few minutes of the game and then have the kids talk through their strategy.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's like giving them a mental playbook for how to handle those high-pressure moments.
Speaker 1:I love that. It's not just about physical practice, but about giving them the mental tools they need to succeed.
Speaker 2:And that's what cognitive development is all about.
Speaker 1:Right, but the article doesn't just stop at cognitive development. It also goes on to talk about the importance of psychosocial development.
Speaker 2:Yes, that's another crucial piece of the puzzle.
Speaker 1:So can you break down what psychosocial development means, like, what are we talking about here?
Speaker 2:Sure. So psychosocial development basically encompasses how kids develop social skills, how they build their identities and how they learn to manage their emotions.
Speaker 1:Okay, so it's about how they interact with the world around them.
Speaker 2:Exactly and think about all the things that are happening during these years. They're learning to work as a team, they're dealing with the ups and downs of winning and losing, and they're trying to figure out who they are as individuals, all at the same time.
Speaker 1:And they're doing all of that while also trying to master their sport.
Speaker 2:Exactly, it's a lot to juggle.
Speaker 1:No kidding, and I'm guessing this is all happening during a pretty critical time in their lives, right Like?
Speaker 2:these are the years when they're really shaping who they are Absolutely, and there's some great research on this Weiss and Chamatom back in 1992, they really highlighted how crucial these years are for shaping a young person's sense of self.
Speaker 1:So it's not just about you know, learning to hit a ball or swim a lap.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:It's about developing all those essential life skills.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:That will help them succeed, no matter what path they choose.
Speaker 2:And that's why it's so important for coaches and parents to be aware of these different aspects of development and to create environments that support young athletes in all these areas.
Speaker 1:And we're not just shaping good athletes, we're shaping good people.
Speaker 2:I like that. We're shaping good people.
Speaker 1:Exactly so. We've talked about cognitive development and psychosocial development and how they both play a huge role in the overall success of young athletes.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Is there anything else that we should keep in mind as parents and coaches, anything else that the article highlights as being really important for these young athletes?
Speaker 2:Yeah, there's one more key concept that we need to touch on, and that is resilience.
Speaker 1:Ah, resilience. Ok, so tell me more about that. Why is resilience so important for young athletes?
Speaker 2:Well, resilience is basically the ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep going even when things get tough.
Speaker 1:It's that mental toughness that helps you push through challenges and come out stronger on the other side.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and you know, in sports, you're going to face setbacks, you're going to have losses, you're going to make mistakes.
Speaker 1:It's inevitable.
Speaker 2:It's part of the game, but it's how you respond to those setbacks that really matters, and that's where resilience comes in.
Speaker 1:So can we actually teach kids to be more resilient, or is it something that they're either born with or not?
Speaker 2:That's a good question, and there's actually been some really interesting research on this.
Speaker 1:Okay, I'm curious to hear about it.
Speaker 2:So Franks and his team did this study, and they found that young athletes who faced and overcame obstacles actually became more resilient.
Speaker 1:Hmm, that's counterintuitive. It's like we want to protect our kids from difficult situations, but maybe facing those challenges actually helps them grow.
Speaker 2:It's like a muscle the more you use it, the stronger it gets.
Speaker 1:So by creating supportive environments where kids can learn from their mistakes, we're actually helping them build that resilience muscle kids can learn from their mistakes.
Speaker 2:we're actually helping them build that resilience muscle Exactly. It's not about shielding them from challenges, but about giving them the tools and the support they need to face adversity head on and come out stronger on the other side.
Speaker 1:And that's a valuable lesson, not just in sports but in life in general.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. It's one of the most important things we can teach young people.
Speaker 1:This is all fantastic information.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:I'm already starting to see how understanding these concepts can make a huge difference in how we coach and parent young athletes.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and we just scratched the surface. There's so much more to explore in this article.
Speaker 1:So before we move on, I want to make sure we've covered everything on these first few points. So we've talked about cognitive development, psychosocial development and building resilience. Is there anything else we should touch on before I move on?
Speaker 2:Yes, one last thing to remember is that every athlete is an individual.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's a great point. We can't apply these concepts in a cookie cutter way. Exactly, some kids might need more support in certain areas, while others might thrive with more independence. So it's about being observant, paying attention to each athlete's unique needs and then adjusting our approach accordingly.
Speaker 2:Exactly, it's about finding that balance between providing support and fostering independence.
Speaker 1:All right, so let's keep that in mind as we continue our deep dive. In the next part, we're going to explore some more specific strategies for applying these concepts in real-world coaching and parenting situations.
Speaker 2:I'm excited to get into the nitty-gritty.
Speaker 1:Me too. Stay tuned, because we'll be right back with more insights from Understanding Developmental Psychology, a Game Changer for Young Athletes. Welcome back everyone Ready for part two of our deep dive.
Speaker 2:I am.
Speaker 1:All right. So we've laid the groundwork. You know talking about cognitive and psychosocial development and how important it is to build resilience in young athletes.
Speaker 2:Right, all that good stuff, exactly yeah.
Speaker 1:But now I want to get into the like the actionable stuff. Yeah, how can we actually apply all this knowledge?
Speaker 2:Yeah, let's make it practical.
Speaker 1:Perfect. So where do we start? What are some specific strategies that parents and coaches can use?
Speaker 2:Well, remember how we talked about those different cognitive stages in kids.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:The article really stresses that you've got to adapt your coaching based on those stages.
Speaker 1:Okay, so what does that look like in practice?
Speaker 2:So for younger athletes, you know you want to keep things simple and fun.
Speaker 1:Right. Make sure they're enjoying the sport.
Speaker 2:Exactly Focus on building those basic skills and then, as they get older and their brains develop further, you can gradually introduce more complicated drills and strategies.
Speaker 1:So don't overload them too early.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's like starting with the alphabet before you expect them to write a novel.
Speaker 1:Uh-huh, yeah, that's a good way to put it, but it's not just about simplifying things for younger kids, right? But it's not just about simplifying things for younger kids Right. Even with older athletes, we need to create opportunities for them to think critically and problem solve.
Speaker 2:Absolutely, and one way to do that is by asking them questions instead of just telling them what to do.
Speaker 1:So instead of saying do this drill this way, you might say what are some different ways we could approach this drill.
Speaker 2:Exactly, or after a tough game, instead of just reviewing the mistakes, you could ask what could we have done differently in that situation?
Speaker 1:Oh.
Speaker 2:I like that. It really gets them thinking and it empowers them to take ownership of their learning, which leads to greater engagement and motivation.
Speaker 1:And speaking of engagement, let's not forget those scenario-based training exercises we talked about.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, those are great.
Speaker 1:It's like giving kids a mental playbook for how to handle pressure situations.
Speaker 2:Like a dress rehearsal for their brains.
Speaker 1:I love that so they can practice making those game time decisions before they're actually in the heat of the moment.
Speaker 2:Exactly OK. So we've covered some great tips for fostering cognitive development. Now let's shift gears and talk about psychosocial development.
Speaker 1:Okay, good segue. So how can parents and coaches create a supportive environment that nurtures those all-important social and emotional skills.
Speaker 2:Well, one of the most important things is to build a strong team culture.
Speaker 1:Okay, so what does that mean?
Speaker 2:It means emphasizing open communication, respect, inclusivity, you know, making sure everyone feels valued and supported.
Speaker 1:So it's not just about winning games.
Speaker 2:No, it's about creating a positive and healthy environment where kids can learn and grow.
Speaker 1:And part of that is teaching them how to deal with their emotions right.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Sports can be a roller coaster of highs and lows.
Speaker 1:Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 2:So it's important to create a space where kids feel comfortable talking about their feelings.
Speaker 1:And I think that's something we often overlook. You know, we tell kids to toughen up or shake it off.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:But that doesn't really help them process those emotions in a healthy way.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Instead of dismissing their feelings, try saying things like it sounds like you're feeling disappointed about that loss. Let's talk about it.
Speaker 1:Okay, so validating their feelings and giving them the space to express themselves.
Speaker 2:And then helping them to develop healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with those emotions.
Speaker 1:Because it's okay to feel frustrated or disappointed or even angry sometimes.
Speaker 2:Right, it's human nature, but we need to teach kids how to channel those emotions in a positive direction.
Speaker 1:So we've talked about creating a positive team culture and teaching kids how to deal with their emotions. Is there anything else we can do to support their psychosocial development?
Speaker 2:Well, one of the most important things you can do is foster resilience.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah, we talked about that earlier, but how do we actually put that into practice? Like, what are some concrete tips for building resilience in young athletes?
Speaker 2:Well, it's not about protecting them from challenges. It's about helping them to reframe those challenges as opportunities for growth.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's interesting. So instead of viewing a loss as a failure, you help them see it as a chance to learn and improve.
Speaker 2:Exactly and encourage them to focus on what they can control.
Speaker 1:Okay. So instead of dwelling on a bad call from the ref, they can focus on their own effort and performance.
Speaker 2:Right and, when they do face setbacks, help them break down the situation and analyze what happened.
Speaker 1:So it's like turning those mistakes into valuable learning experiences.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Instead of letting setbacks define them, they learn to use them as fuel to grow.
Speaker 1:And that's what resilience is all about Not just bouncing back, but bouncing back stronger.
Speaker 2:Couldn't have said it better myself.
Speaker 1:Okay. So this is all great stuff, but I'm wondering can parents play a role in building resilience, or is this mostly on the coaches?
Speaker 2:Oh, parents play a crucial role. The home environment is where these skills are first developed.
Speaker 1:So what can parents do?
Speaker 2:Well, you can create opportunities for your kids to face challenges and overcome them, even outside of sports.
Speaker 1:Okay. So if my kid is struggling to learn a new skill like riding a bike, I shouldn't just step in and do it for them. I should encourage them to keep practicing and working through those frustrations.
Speaker 2:Exactly and celebrate their effort and perseverance, even if they don't succeed right away. That's how they learn that it's okay to make mistakes and that they can overcome obstacles with hard work and determination.
Speaker 1:And that's a powerful message. Okay, so we've talked about creating a supportive environment, building resilience, and now I want to touch on another important concept that the article highlights autonomy.
Speaker 2:Yeah, autonomy is key.
Speaker 1:So can you explain why that is so crucial for young athletes?
Speaker 2:Sure. So autonomy is basically about giving kids a sense of control over their own actions and decisions.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:When they feel like they have a say in their training, they're more likely to be engaged and motivated.
Speaker 1:So, instead of just following orders, they feel like active participants in their own development.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and that can make a huge difference in their overall enjoyment and success.
Speaker 1:Okay, but how much autonomy should we actually give them? I mean, they are kids after all.
Speaker 2:That's a great question. It's about finding that balance. You know, start by giving them small choices.
Speaker 1:Like what. Give me some examples.
Speaker 2:Sure, like you could say, do you want to work on your passing or your shooting today, or what are some goals you'd like to set for yourself this season?
Speaker 1:Oh, I like that. It makes them feel like their voices are heard and that their opinions matter.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And then, as they get older and show responsibility, you can gradually give them more autonomy.
Speaker 1:So maybe they get to choose which drills to focus on during practice or help design a team warm-up routine.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about gradually releasing control and empowering them to take ownership of their development.
Speaker 1:I love that. So it's not just about telling them what to do. It's about guiding them and supporting them as they learn to make their own decisions.
Speaker 2:Right, and there's actually research to back this up. Oh really, yeah, pelletier and his colleagues. They did a study and found that athletes who felt they had autonomy in their training were more engaged, satisfied and persistent even when facing challenges.
Speaker 1:Wow, that's impressive. So giving kids a sense of ownership over their training can actually help them stick with it and overcome obstacles.
Speaker 2:And it's not just about their performance in sports. When they learn to make decisions and take ownership. Those skills translate into other areas of their lives as well.
Speaker 1:It's like those skills are transferable.
Speaker 2:Exactly Okay. So we've covered a lot of ground here. We've talked about creating a supportive environment, building resilience, fostering autonomy.
Speaker 1:It's a lot to take in.
Speaker 2:It is, but I think it's all starting to come together right.
Speaker 1:It is. I'm starting to see how these concepts all fit together, how they're all interconnected. No-transcript. So it's not about just focusing on one thing, it's about taking a holistic approach.
Speaker 2:You got it, and I think it's helpful to see how this might look in a real-world setting.
Speaker 1:Okay, yeah, give me an example.
Speaker 2:All right. So imagine a young soccer player who's struggling to master a new skill like juggling the ball.
Speaker 1:Okay, I can picture that.
Speaker 2:So, in a supportive environment, the coach might encourage the player to break down the skill into smaller steps Right, so it's not so overwhelming and they might offer specific feedback on their technique.
Speaker 1:So the coach is providing support and guidance, but without taking over.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and then to foster autonomy. The coach might give the player some choices in how they practice.
Speaker 1:So like maybe they get to choose which type of ball to use or how many repetitions they want to do.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and if the player gets frustrated or discouraged, the coach can use those moments as opportunities to build resilience.
Speaker 1:So they can help the player reframe those setbacks as learning experiences and focus on the progress they've made.
Speaker 2:Exactly so you see how it all comes full circle.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I do. By creating a supportive environment, fostering autonomy and building resilience, the coach is setting the stage for the player's success both on and off the field.
Speaker 2:And it's not just about coaching right.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Parents can apply these same principles at home.
Speaker 1:So it's a team effort.
Speaker 2:It is, and I think that's such an important takeaway for our listeners. These concepts aren't just about sports. They're about raising well-rounded, capable young people who are ready to face the challenges life throws their way.
Speaker 1:I love that. Okay, so we've covered a lot of ground in this part of our deep dive. We talked about how to apply those key concepts of cognitive and psychosocial development, resilience, autonomy.
Speaker 2:Yeah, we've really gotten into the nitty gritty.
Speaker 1:We have, but there's one more crucial piece of the puzzle that we need to explore, and that is identity development.
Speaker 2:Ah yes, that's a big one, it is.
Speaker 1:So stay tuned, because in the final part of our deep dive, we're going to explore how to help young athletes develop a strong and healthy sense of identity that extends beyond the world of sports. All right, so we're back for the final part of our deep dive into the minds of young athletes, and I'm really excited about this part because we're going to be talking about identity development.
Speaker 2:Yeah, this is a big one.
Speaker 1:It is, and I know we touched on it briefly in the last part, but I really want to unpack it a little bit more.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:So the article emphasizes that young athletes are more than just athletes. They're developing their sense of self and their identity is multifaceted, it's not just one thing.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's not just about being a soccer player, a basketball player, a swimmer, you know.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:It's about understanding who they are as individuals, beyond their sport.
Speaker 1:And why is that so important, especially during these, you know, formative years?
Speaker 2:Well, think about it. We don't want kids to feel lost if they decide to stop playing a sport or if they get injured. We want them to have a strong sense of self that isn't solely dependent on their athletic achievements.
Speaker 1:It's like they need that foundation to fall back on.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and there's actually research to support this. Oh really yeah. And there's actually research to support this. Oh really yeah. Classic and his team. They did a study back in 2020, and they found that athletes who have a clear understanding of their values and their aspirations you know they tend to have a stronger sense of self and are more likely to succeed both on and off the field.
Speaker 1:It's like having that internal compass Exactly Guiding them, helping them make choices that align with who they are and what they want to achieve.
Speaker 2:I like that An internal compass.
Speaker 1:Okay, so that makes sense. But as parents and coaches, how can we actually help young athletes develop this strong sense of identity?
Speaker 2:Well, one way is to encourage them to explore different roles and responsibilities within their sport.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's interesting.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so you could ask questions like are you a leader on this team? Are you a strategist? Maybe you're the teammate who always lifts everyone's spirits.
Speaker 1:So it's not just about being good at the sport. It's about understanding their unique contributions to the team and how those contributions reflect their own values and personality.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about helping them see themselves as valuable members of the team, even if they're not the star player.
Speaker 1:And I imagine that can really boost their confidence and self-esteem, which can then translate into other areas of their lives.
Speaker 2:Absolutely, and it's also important to expose them to a variety of activities and interests outside of sports.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's a good reminder. We can't let their whole world revolve around their sport.
Speaker 2:Right. Encourage them to try different things music, art, volunteering, anything that sparks their interest.
Speaker 1:So it's about fostering their interests and helping them discover their unique strengths and talents.
Speaker 2:Exactly. The more well-rounded they are, the stronger their sense of self will be.
Speaker 1:Okay, so we've talked about fostering their interests and helping them discover their strengths. What about the role of mentors in all of this?
Speaker 2:Oh, mentors can play a huge role. Think about it Having a positive role model, who can offer guidance and support during these years, can make a world of difference.
Speaker 1:Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 2:And it doesn't have to be someone super famous or anything. It could be an older athlete, a teacher, a family friend, anyone who embodies the values and qualities you want to see in your young athlete.
Speaker 1:It's about having someone they can look up to, someone who can help them navigate those tricky waters of adolescence and figuring out who they are.
Speaker 2:Exactly and don't underestimate the impact you, as parents and coaches, can have as mentors. Oh yeah, we're role models too, you are Be present, be supportive and share your own experiences, both the successes and the failures.
Speaker 1:So it's about showing them that you're human, that you've faced challenges and come out the other side.
Speaker 2:And that's such a powerful message for young people to hear.
Speaker 1:OK, so we've talked about identity development, but there's one more thing I want to touch on before we wrap up, and that's the role of technology.
Speaker 2:Ooh, yes.
Speaker 1:Technology.
Speaker 2:It the role of technology. Ooh, yes, technology, it's everywhere right, and it's definitely impacting young athletes in a lot of ways it's a double-edged sword. Yeah, how so Well. On the one hand, technology can be a fantastic tool for learning, connecting, finding inspiration. You know there are so many apps and online resources designed for athletes.
Speaker 1:I can see how that could be beneficial, but I also worry about the potential downsides. Right, you know we've already talked about the importance of focus, critical thinking, social skills. Could excessive screen time be hindering those areas?
Speaker 2:It's definitely a concern.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Research shows that spending too much time in front of screens can interfere with attention span, memory, even emotional regulation.
Speaker 1:And, let's be honest, social media can be a breeding ground for comparison and negativity, which can really impact a young person's self-esteem.
Speaker 2:Absolutely so. It's crucial to help young athletes navigate the digital landscape in a healthy way.
Speaker 1:So what can we do?
Speaker 2:We'll set clear boundaries around screen time and social media use, encourage them to engage in activities that don't involve screens.
Speaker 1:Like what.
Speaker 2:Like spending time outdoors reading, having face-to-face conversations, you know.
Speaker 1:Get back to basics.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and don't just tell them to do it. Model those healthy habits yourself.
Speaker 1:So lead by example.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Put your phone down during dinner, engage in conversations and show them that there's a whole world out there beyond the screen.
Speaker 1:I love that. Okay, so we've covered a lot of ground in this deep dive. We've talked about cognitive and psychosocial development, resilience, autonomy, identity development and the impact of technology.
Speaker 2:It's been quite a journey.
Speaker 1:It has.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And I think the biggest takeaway for me is that supporting young athletes requires a holistic approach. Absolutely, we need to nurture their physical skills, their minds, their social and emotional well-being and their ability to navigate the digital world responsibly.
Speaker 2:It's about seeing the whole picture, the whole person, not just their athletic potential.
Speaker 1:And remember it's all interconnected.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:When we focus on these different aspects of development, we're not just creating better athletes.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:We're helping them become more resilient, well-rounded individuals who are equipped to thrive in all aspects of life.
Speaker 2:That's the ultimate goal, isn't it To empower young people to reach their full potential, both on and off the field?
Speaker 1:I'm going to say it better myself. Well, thank you so much for joining us on this incredible deep dive. We hope you've gained some valuable insights that you can apply in your own lives, whether you're a parent, a coach or anyone who works with young athletes.
Speaker 2:It's been a pleasure being here.
Speaker 1:And remember the learning never stops. Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning and keep supporting the incredible young athletes in your lives.