Shrink your focus. Win the next drill, not the next game. Stack small wins daily.

Talk to yourself like a coach, not a critic. What would you say to a teammate in your shoes? Say it to yourself.

Watch your body language. Shoulders up. Chin high. Eyes forward. Confidence starts with posture.

“Slumps are where champions sharpen their edge.”

Serena Williams: “You have to believe in yourself when no one else does — that’s what makes you a winner.”

Validate their effort, not the result. Confidence grows when effort is acknowledged, even in failure.

Avoid overreacting to poor games. Stay steady — your calm is their anchor.

Encourage reflection, not rumination. Ask “What did you learn?” instead of “Why did that happen?”

“Let your kid be bad at something on the way to being great at it.”

Carol Dweck: “Effort is what ignites ability and turns it into accomplishment.”

Point out the habits, not just the highlights. Celebrate how they show up, not just what they produce.

Pair them with a confident teammate. Confidence is contagious — put them in the right environment.

Remind them of who they are when they forget. Sometimes belief comes from someone lending theirs.

Nick Saban: “Mediocre people don’t like high-achievers, and high-achievers don’t like mediocre efforts.”

“Coaching isn’t just correcting mistakes — it’s restoring belief.”