The Huddle - Edition 83

Intro
When Game Day Doesn’t Match Practice

It’s one of the most confusing challenges in youth sports: a player who thrives in practice but underperforms in games. They hit every shot in drills, crush tee work, or run perfect plays in scrimmage — but when the lights flip on and the game starts, it’s like they forget how to play.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Research published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology notes that up to 40% of youth athletes experience performance anxiety that negatively affects game performance, even when they excel in training. Often, the issue isn’t skill — it’s what’s happening between the ears.

This week, we’ll explore why the game setting can trigger fear, pressure, or hesitation — and how we, as the trusted adults in their corner, can help bridge the gap between practice and performance.

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Insight of the week
Understanding the Practice-Game Disconnect

There are a few key reasons why kids can perform with ease in practice but struggle on game day. Understanding these reasons is step one in helping them move forward.

1. Game pressure amplifies fear of failure.
   In practice, mistakes are part of the process. In a game, those mistakes can feel like letting down the team, the coach, the parents… everyone. Even if no one is actually putting that pressure on them, kids internalize it. If they’re naturally cautious or perfectionistic, that pressure can feel overwhelming.

2. They haven’t practiced under pressure.
   Many practices are too “safe.” If drills don’t simulate the stress of game conditions — like competition, time constraints, or unpredictability — players never get used to what it feels like to perform under stress.

3. They don’t trust themselves yet.
   Confidence in practice is built with repetition, but true belief in game settings takes another level of internal trust. That takes time — and coaching support.

4. They’re emotionally dysregulated in game settings.
   Some kids are more sensitive to noise, spectators, conflict, or unexpected challenges. These are environmental factors that can totally derail focus and calm.

As coaches and parents, we need to observe what’s really happening — and resist the urge to label it as “choking” or “lacking heart.” The real work is in helping the athlete develop tools to manage those triggers and build confidence they can take into real competition.

Drill of the week
Tee Adjustment Drill

Sport: Baseball/Softball

Skill Focus: Hitting pitch locations (inside/outside/high/low) by adjusting tee placement

Setup

• Each player needs access to a tee, a bat, a bucket of balls, and a backstop/net.

• If indoors or at home, a pop-up net and wiffle balls work well.

• Use tape or chalk to mark home plate on the ground for reference.

How to Run It

1. Inside pitch: Move the tee forward in front of the plate and slightly closer to the batter. The batter should focus on quick hands and pulling the ball.

2. Outside pitch: Move the tee slightly deeper and away from the batter. Focus on driving the ball to the opposite field.

3. High pitch: Raise the tee to chest height. Emphasize staying on top of the ball with a strong level swing.

4. Low pitch: Lower the tee to knees or lower thighs. Remind players to bend their knees and keep their head down on the ball.

Run each station with 8–10 swings, then rotate or reset the tee. Encourage players to “call out” where the pitch is (inside/outside/high/low) before they swing to promote situational awareness and intent.

Coaching Tips

• Emphasize footwork and posture — they change slightly depending on pitch location.

• Don’t rush — let players reset and visualize each swing.

• If you’re using video, show players how their contact point changes by location.

• Reinforce the importance of adjusting, not just swinging.

This drill not only develops physical skills but also builds the mental habit of preparation. By practicing adjustment, you’re also preparing players for in-game variability.

Coaching tip of the week
Bridging the Gap Between Practice and Game Day

Here are several actionable strategies to help your athlete bring their full ability into game settings:

• Introduce “pressure reps” into practice.
  Instead of only focusing on technical reps, build in competition. Set a scoring goal. Put time on the clock. Have teammates watch. Simulate “last shot” moments. These small additions build mental reps under pressure.

• Use cue words and routines.
  Teach players to develop a short mental routine before each play — something like “breathe, focus, attack.” This gives them a grounded pattern to return to in high-pressure moments.

• Talk about nerves — normalize them.
  Let them know nerves are part of the process, not a sign something is wrong. Tell stories of pro athletes who still feel nervous before every game. The key isn’t to eliminate nerves — it’s learning how to play with them.

• Build self-trust in small ways.
  If a kid is struggling, give them a role you know they can succeed at in the game. That taste of success can snowball. Let them build trust in their ability without making every at-bat or every touch feel like the game is on the line.

• Review game performance with curiosity, not criticism.
  When watching film or talking after the game, ask: “What were you thinking here?” or “What did that moment feel like?” You’re helping them become more self-aware — and that’s a key to long-term development.
  

Blog Highlight
Why Kids Perform in Practice but Freeze in Games - And What Coaches & Parents Can Do About It

You’ve seen it a thousand times: a kid who nails every drill in practice suddenly turns quiet, hesitant, or just plain frozen when the whistle blows in a game. Maybe they fumble an easy pass, hesitate before shooting, or freeze up when their number is called. It’s confusing and frustrating for coaches — and heartbreaking for parents who know how good their kid really is.

But there’s a reason this happens — and it isn’t that the child “isn’t trying.” It’s complex, rooted in psychology, stress, expectations, and the kid’s developing brain. More importantly, there are ways coaches and parents can help bridge that gap so that performance more closely matches potential.

This post unpacks what’s really going on when a young athlete performs in practice — but struggles under game pressure — and gives you research‑based, practical tips you can use on the field, court, or ice.

The Volunteer Coach Academy
My Complete Coaching Approach

Thank you for following and engaging with me here.

You’ve seen the tips and tools I share each week—now imagine everything you need to coach with confidence, all in one place. I’ve built a complete course designed specifically for volunteer and parent-coaches to help you feel prepared, supported, and ready to lead. Whether you’re stepping on the field for the first time or just want to get better for your kid’s sake, this course was made for you.

Oh and if you aren’t ready for the course yet, still check out the link to learn more because there’s a free Coach’s Guide that you can start using instantly.

Book highlight
For Coaches, Parents and Youth Athletes

The Constant Coach

Get this for the coach in your life as it provides coaching guidance and insights one day at a time throughout the entire year.

Stories For Young Athletes

Do you have an Young athlete who’s afraid of getting hit by a pitch or who maybe isn’t quite as aggressive on the soccer field as they could be? This book helps kids with a variety of circumstances, in a lot of different sports, through various stories that your child can relate to. It’s perfect for kids 7-11!

Featured Coaching Resources
Aggression and Anxiety Guides

I just released two new guides designed to make your coaching easier and your players more confident:

1. The Aggression Guide
Perfect for the child who plays great at home but hesitates in games. This guide gives you simple, practical strategies to help players be more assertive, engaged, and confident—without pressure or yelling.

2. Calm Under Pressure
A quick, powerful guide for helping young athletes manage anxiety, nerves, and fear of mistakes. You’ll learn what to look for, what to say, and how to support kids during tough moments.

Content
Other Free Content

You might be new to coaching a team or sport. You may be a grizzled coaching veteran. Either way, check out the content section of thecoachingdad.com. You’ll find resources that cover a large number of sports, including game refreshers, position breakdowns, injury management, practice ideas and more.

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