Confidence in Sport

 
 

We all know that sport is a great way to have fun and stay active, but it can sometimes be tough to feel confident all the time when you play a sport. Confidence is a feeling of trust in yourself and what you can do, and it's an essential ingredient for success in sport and having fun! In this article, we'll explore the importance of confidence in sports, provide examples of what confidence in sports looks like, and give you three tips to help boost your confidence.

What is Confidence in Sports?

Confidence is the belief in your skills and abilities, and it's a vital part of having fun in sports. When you're confident, you're more likely to perform well and enjoy playing with your teammates or on your own. When you feel confident, you feel brave and you're not afraid to make mistakes.

Examples of Confidence in Sports

Confidence in sport can look different for everyone. For some, it may mean feeling comfortable and in control whilst playing. For others, it may mean taking risks and trying new things. Here are some examples of what confidence in sports may look like:

  • A football player who confidently takes a shot on goal, even if they're not sure it will go in

  • A netball player who confidently calls for the ball and makes a pass to a teammate

  • A gymnast who confidently performs a new routine in front of judges

 
 

Tips to Boost Your Confidence in Sports

Have fun practicing: By practicing for fun, you'll build your skills and feel more confident in your abilities whilst enjoying time being active and healthy. 

Make a list of specific skills you want to improve in your sport. Then, set small, achievable goals for each skill that will help you get better. Celebrate your progress along the way and remember that every small step counts!

Get support from your team: Your teammates can be a great source of support and encouragement. By working together, you'll build your skills and confidence as a team.

In conclusion, confidence is a vital ingredient for having fun in sport. Hopefully this article has given you a better understanding of what confidence means. Remember, it's normal to feel nervous or unsure at times – we all do! Confidence can come and go and that is okay. Here are some questions we think would be great to talk through with an adult: 

  1. How do you feel when you lack confidence in sports? Have you ever experienced a situation where lack of confidence affected your performance on the field?

  2. Which of the three tips mentioned in the article do you think would be most helpful for you to boost your confidence in sports? Can you think of any other tips or strategies that you could use to feel more confident on the field?

SportsLisa KingMay 2023