Sport Psychology for Young Athletes

Understanding and applying psychology within youth sport settings is key to maximising young athletes? enjoyment, wellbeing, and sporting performance. Written by a team of leading international researcher-practitioners, this book is the first to offer an evidence-based introduction to the theory and practice of sport psychology for children and young athletes. It provides practical strategies and guidance for those working in or researching youth sport, demonstrating how to integrate sport psychology effectively in a variety of youth sport contexts.

With real-life case studies that demonstrate psychological theory put into practice, it discusses a wide spectrum of issues faced by young athletes and recommends the best approaches to addressing them. Key topics covered include:

• the cognitive, social, and physical development of young athletes
• optimising fun, motivation, and self-confidence
• enhancing young athletes? relationships with coaches, parents, and peers
• managing stress, injuries, and transitions
• effectively developing talent and long-term engagement in sport
• encouraging organisational culture change.

The most up-to-date and authoritative guide to sport psychology for young people, this is essential reading for anyone working in youth sport.

1. An Introduction to Sport Psychology for Young Athletes [Camilla J. Knight, Chris. G. Harwood and Daniel Gould] Section 1: Setting the Scene 2. The Role of Sport Psychology for Young Athletes [Larry Lauer, Rebecca A. Zakrajsek and E. Earlynn Lauer] 3. Delivering Sport Psychology Across Youth Sport Contexts [Rich Neil and Brendan Cropley] 4. Developmental Considerations for Working with Young Athletes [Lindsay E. Kipp] 5. Understanding and Assessing Young Athletes’ Psychological Needs [Mark J. G. Holland, Sam Cooley and Jennifer Cumming] Section 2: Key Considerations During Childhood 6. Initiating Involvement and Building Foundations for the Future [Richard Keegan and Camilla J. Knight] 7. Integrating Fun in Young Athletes’ Sport Experiences [Amanda J. Visek, Heather Mannix, Devon Mann and Ciera Jones] 8. Toward More Empowering and Less Disempowering Environments in Youth Sport: Theory to Evidence-based Practice [Joan L. Duda, Paul Appleton, Juliette Stebbings and Isabel Balaguer] 9. Developing Self-Confidence in Young Athletes [Robin S. Vealey, Melissa A. Chase and Robin Cooley] 10. Optimising Family Involvement in Youth Sport [Travis E. Dorsch] 11. Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence: An Educationally Sound Approach to Talent Development [Aine MacNamara and Dave Collins] 12. "Better People Make Better Athletes": Promoting a Positive Youth Development Approach with Young Athletes [Scott Pierce] Section 3: Key Considerations During Adolescence 13. Sport Psychologists Assisting Young Talented Athletes Faced with Career Transitions [Paul Wylleman] 14. Self-Identity and Young Athletes [Britton W. Brewer, Albert J. Petitpas and Judy L. Van Raalte] 15. Stress, Coping and Emotion in Youth Sport [Peter R. E. Crocker, Katherine A. Tamminen and Erica V. Bennett] 16. Managing Injuries Among Young Athletes [Urban Johnson and Andreas Ivarsson] 17. Preventing Doping in Youth Sport [Susan H. Backhouse, Kelsey Erickson and Lisa Whittaker] 18. Fostering Adaptive Peer Relationships in Youth Sport [Alan L. Smith and Anthony G. Delli Paoli] 19. Facilitating Coach Involvement with Adolescent Athletes [Denise M. Hill and Richard C. Thelwell] 20. Organisational Culture and Influence on Developing Athletes [Kristoffer Henriksen, Louise K. Storm and Carsten H. Larsen] Section 4: Working with Young Athletes 21. Key Considerations for Applied Services with Young Athletes [Brandonn S. Harris, Lindsey C. Blom and Amanda J. Visek] 22. The Role of Sport Psychology Consultants in Protecting Young Athletes: Shifting from Safeguarding to an Ethic of Care [Gretchen Kerr, Ashley Stirling and Ellen MacPherson] 23. Using CBT to Work with and Understand Individual Athletes [Paul J. McCarthy] 24. Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy to Help Young Athletes Build Resilience and Deal with Adversity [Andrew G. Wood, Jamie B. Barker and Martin J. Turner] 25. Delivering Sport Psychology Programmes: Effective Group Presentations [Daniel Gould and Lauren Szczygiel] 26. Excellent Together: Integrated Sport Psychology for Coaches and Young Athletes [Chris Harwood and Karl Steptoe] 27. Understanding and Working with Parents of Young Athletes [Camilla J. Knight and Rachael A. Newport]