Stack proof, not hype. Write down 3 small wins every day — training, effort, attitude. Confidence grows from evidence, not ego.

Detach from outcome. Confidence isn’t about stats; it’s about how you show up when things aren’t perfect.

Speak power to yourself. Every thought is a rep. Choose words that build you up instead of break you down.

Kobe Bryant: “Everything negative — pressure, challenges — is all an opportunity for me to rise.”

“Confidence doesn’t come from being perfect. It comes from trusting you’ll respond when you’re not.”

Focus on identity, not performance. Remind them who they are — not just what they did today.

Let them own their success. Avoid rescuing them from struggle; confidence grows from earned moments, not handed ones.

Use effort-based praise. “I love how hard you worked through that challenge,” builds resilience more than, “You’re so talented.”

“A confident athlete believes they can — a resilient athlete knows they will, eventually.”

Carol Dweck: “True self-confidence is the courage to be imperfect.”

Catch them doing things right. Point out micro-successes — “That body language right there is what we want.”

Build confidence through clarity. Athletes play freer when they know exactly what’s expected.

Celebrate process wins. Highlight moments of focus, composure, and leadership — not just outcomes.

John Wooden: “Confidence comes from being prepared and knowing you’ve done the work.”

“Teams don’t hope for confidence — they practice it daily.”