Help: How to handle kid's performance anxiety at soccer?

Dec 10·1 min read

My 6yo started soccer this fall and loves practice, absolutely loves it. But in games he just kind of... freezes up? Like he knows how to kick the ball but won't go for it when it's game time. I don't want to push him but I also don't want him thinking he's "bad" at something he's actually decent at. Is this normal at this age? Should I just let it play out or is there something specific I can do to help him feel more confident? He hasn't asked to quit which is good.

5 comments219 views

Comments(5)

DDrew H.RegularDec 11

have you tried just not watching so intensely during games? like sometimes knowing your parent is watching changes the whole dynamic

MMarcus W.RegularDec 12

the fact that he loves practice is actually the good sign here. he's not scared of soccer, just the competitive aspect. totally fixable thing

SSteve B.RegularDec 12

my son did this exact thing and the fix was literally just talking about it. like 'hey I noticed you freeze up, what's going on in your head?' turned out he was worried about messing up in front of people

BBob G.RegularDec 13

Don't push him to be aggressive if that's not his personality. Some kids are just methodical and cautious. Might need to find a sport that suits him better or just let him figure it out

FFrank K.RegularDec 13

performance anxiety in a 6yo is wild but also really common. he knows HOW to do it but the pressure of the game changes everything. that's actually a pretty normal thing

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