Jay P. Granat, Ph.D.
           Founder of StayInTheZone.com

21 Common Problems Facing Young Competitors, Their Coaches And Their Families

Since 1978, I have counseled hundreds of athletes, coaches and their families. These people have played the following sports: baseball, tennis, basketball, soccer, golf, bowling, swimming, hockey, football, skiing, fencing, boxing, the martial arts, equestrian events, wrestling and chess.

The counseling has been done by phone, by e-mail, face to face and frequently at the athletic contest.

Young people present a wide range of problems. Frequently, the athlete has several issues which are bothering him or her simultaneously. We help the athletes, their coaches and their families through counseling, coaching, psychotherapy, hypnosis, self-hypnosis and visualization. We also provide guidance for parents and coaches who want to be more effective and helpful in their interactions with young people.

Here are some of the common issues that our athletes have sought help with. These concerns are presented in the athletes’ own words.

1. “I am great in practice. But when the pressure is on, I get nervous and  lose my confidence.”
2. “I just can’t seem to focus on just one thing. My mind is all over the place when I am on the field.”
3. “I just can’t seem to get myself motivated and psyched up.”
4. “I love playing, but I hate practicing.”
5. “My coach is a real jerk. To make matters worse, my parents don’t get along with him either.”
6. “My dad is pushing me way too hard and I can’t get him to stop.”
7. “If I make a mistake or lose a game, I can’t let go of it.”
8. “I’m so concerned with what others think about me. I just can’t perform well when I am trying to please my parents, my coaches and my teammates.”
9. “I have been in a slump for weeks. I think I’m burnt out.”
10. “I want a Division I scholarship, but I am clueless about the recruiting process.”
11. “I am intimated by the older and bigger kids.”
12. “I lose my temper when I play. Once that happens I can’t do anything right.”
13. “I think my partying, my drinking and my drug use are preventing me from performing well.”
14. “I am sick of this sport, but I don’t know how to tell my parents that I want out.”
15. “I am completely overwhelmed with academics, sports, other activities and my social life.”
16. “I have been injured for months, but I don’t want anyone to know about it.”
17. “I don’t really know if I am good enough to compete at the next level.”
18. “Once I get into a slump, I can’t get out of it.”
19. “Since I got hurt, I have been terrified of getting injured again and I just can’t play the way I want to play.”
20. “I just can’t seem to relax and have fun out there.”
21. “I have been in the zone. I wish I could learn how to get there again.”

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