Ep. 168: Dr. Ben Freakley: The Mental Game of Youth Sports... What Parents & Coaches Need to Know
Britt, Brad, and former U.S. Soccer captain Carlos Bocanegra sit down with Dr. Ben Freakley to discuss the mental side of youth sports. Drawing on his work with Army Rangers, the Toronto Blue Jays, and Atlanta United, Freakley explains how sideline instructions, parental feedback, and negative self-talk create “noise” that makes it harder to play. He shares practical advice on simplifying feedback, building confidence, and prioritizing process over results. Freakley and Bocanegra also discuss what matters beyond talent: consistency, competitiveness, and working through challenges. His closing message to parents: love your kid without tying their worth to points, playing time, or wins. “You’re enough.”
Topics
Mental Performance
