Tryout season in youth hockey is a pressure cooker. Skates sharpen, skills are honed, and dreams of making the AAA team dance in young players' heads. But alongside the excitement comes a hefty dose of anxiety. For many, travel hockey tryouts are their first real taste of competitive evaluation, and the stress can be overwhelming. As parents and coaches, we play a crucial role in helping these young athletes navigate this challenging period and strengthen their mental game.

Understanding the Source of the Anxiety

Before we dive into solutions, it's essential to understand the roots of tryout anxiety:

Fear of Failure: The fear of not making the desired team can be paralyzing. Young athletes worry about letting themselves, their parents, and their coaches down.

Comparison to Others: Observing other players' skills can lead to self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy.

Pressure to Perform: The perceived importance of tryouts can create immense pressure, leading to performance anxiety.

Uncertainty: The unknown nature of the tryout process can fuel anxiety.

Strategies for Parents: Building a Supportive Foundation

Parents are the cornerstone of a young athlete's support system. Here's how you can help:

Focus on Effort, Not Outcome: Emphasize the importance of hard work, dedication, and improvement. Remind your child that tryouts are a learning experience, regardless of the outcome.

Maintain a Positive Perspective: Avoid placing undue pressure on your child. Express confidence in their abilities and remind them that you love and support them regardless of the team they make.

Open Communication: Create a safe space for your child to express their anxieties. Listen attentively and validate their feelings.

Normalize Anxiety: Help your child understand that experiencing anxiety is normal and that many athletes face similar challenges.

Prioritize Well-Being: Ensure your child gets adequate sleep, nutrition, and rest. A healthy body supports a healthy mind.

Avoid Over-Analyzing: Resist the urge to constantly discuss tryout performance or compare your child to other players.

Stress Management Techniques: Help your child learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization, to manage anxiety.

Strategies for Players: Building Mental Resilience

While parental support is vital, players must also develop their own mental resilience. Here are some techniques they can use:

Focus on Controllables: Remind yourself that you can only control your effort, attitude, and focus. Concentrate on these aspects and let go of what you can't control.

Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments.

Visualization: Visualize yourself performing well in tryout scenarios. This can help build confidence and reduce anxiety.

Goal Setting: Set realistic and achievable goals for the tryouts. Focus on specific skills you want to demonstrate.

Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques, such as focusing on your breath, to stay present and reduce distractions.

Embrace the Process: View tryouts as an opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of the outcome.

Talk to a Coach or Mentor: If anxiety becomes overwhelming, seek guidance from a coach, mentor, or sports psychologist.

Pre Game/Tryout Rituals: Having a Pre game routine can help to calm nerves and keep the player focused.

Beyond the Tryout

The lessons learned during tryout season extend far beyond the ice. By focusing on effort, resilience, and a positive mindset, young athletes can develop valuable life skills that will serve them well in all aspects of their lives.

Remember, youth hockey is about more than just winning. It's about developing character, building confidence, and fostering a love for the game. By working together, parents, coaches, and players can navigate the challenges of tryout season and emerge stronger and more resilient.