How Sideline Coaching Derails Your Child

Dr. Megan Babb breaks down this growing phenomenon in youth sports.

Ed. Note: Hi Good Gamers. I’m thrilled to bring you the wisdom of Dr. Megan Babb, a board certified family physician and former Division 1 soccer player who specializes in injury prevention and athletic mental wellness. In her program, The Elite Athlete Mindset, Dr. Babb helps athletes overcome mental barriers like performance anxiety, mental blocks, and burn out. I recently came across Dr. Babb’s insight on one of the most prevalent issues in youth sports - parents coaching from the sideline. I’ve brought up this issue once or twice (or twenty times) but Dr. Babb’s breakdown of how sideline coaching, even from parents with the best intentions, harms our kids is the most impactful advice I’ve read on the subject. Also, just a heads up that most of this piece is subscriber-only so it’s a great time to upgrade to a paid subscription to support independent journalism and help us fight the good fight. Take it away, Dr. Babb!

One of my biggest pet peeves is sideline coaching from parents. In my work helping thousands of athletes at all levels achieve their goals, I have noticed a shift in parents actively participating in their children’s athletic endeavors. Unfortunately some of these behaviors are leading to many of the mental barriers athlete's face. For example, sideline coaching can negatively influence an athlete’s independent decision making skills.

We often hear about why parents shouldn’t do this as it relates specifically to the game, but it is important to note how it actually changes who they are. I just gave a lecture on this to a psychology class and I want to share these pearls with you: