Confidence

Confidence is a crucial aspect of a hockey player's mental game. It can be the difference between success and failure in high-pressure situations. However, confidence issues can develop for young hockey players, often due to a host of issues including a lack of experience, pressure to perform and a host of other issue we will discuss here.

For example, a player who has been promoted to a higher level of competition, such as from a house league to a travel team, may struggle with self-doubt and confidence issues. They may feel that they do not belong or that they are not good enough to play at the new level. This can cause them to second-guess themselves on the ice and make mistakes.

Additionally, pressure from coaches, parents, and peers can also contribute to confidence issues. If a young player feels like they are not meeting expectations or being judged harshly for their performance, it can lead to a loss of confidence and negatively impact their game.

A research study conducted by Young and colleagues (2019) (a research team from various institutions, including the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia) explored the relationship between self-confidence and performance in Canadian male ice hockey players aged 13-14 years. The researchers found that higher levels of self-confidence were associated with better overall performance in hockey, as well as better performance in specific skill areas such as skating and shooting. In addition, the study showed that self-confidence was related to a number of factors, including positive feedback from coaches, success in past games, and positive interactions with teammates. The researchers suggest that promoting positive self-talk and creating a supportive team environment can help to build self-confidence in young hockey players, which may lead to improved performance and overall success in the sport. 

 Often it can be difficult to decern the reason why some players have confidence issues, and it's very important to must delve into the specific situation facing each athlete.  Identifying the cause is the first step to fixing the issue. Some of these issues could be caused by the effects of unconscious bias, lack of recognition, perceived favoritism and feeling different or like an outsider to the main group.

Pressure to Perform

The pressure to perform is one of the most significant confidence challenges for hockey players at all levels. It's especially true for players who face high expectations from their coaches, teammates, and fans. In these cases, players may feel like they have to deliver results every time they step on the ice, which can lead to significant pressure and stress. This stress can manifest itself in many different ways, including physical symptoms like muscle tension and headaches, emotional symptoms like anxiety and self-doubt, and behavioral symptoms like overthinking or avoiding game situations.

To help manage the pressure to perform, players can use mindful hockey techniques to stay focused on the present moment and reduce distracting thoughts and feelings. For example, players can use visualization to mentally rehearse their performance and build confidence, practice mindfulness meditation to become more aware of their thoughts and emotions, and develop positive self-talk and affirmations to stay motivated and focused on their goals. Coaches can also help players manage the pressure by setting realistic expectations and providing constructive feedback and support, rather than harsh criticism or punishment. Finally, creating a supportive team culture that prioritizes mental health and well-being can help players feel more confident and resilient in the face of pressure and adversity.

Study:

There have been several studies conducted on the pressure to perform and its negative effects on self-confidence in athletes. One study published in the Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology found that high levels of perceived performance pressure were associated with decreased levels of self-confidence in athletes (Hanton et al., 2005). Another study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that athletes who reported experiencing high levels of pressure to perform had lower levels of self-confidence and higher levels of anxiety and negative affect (Gucciardi et al., 2010). These findings suggest that the pressure to perform can be a significant factor in shaping athletes' self-confidence levels. 

Unconscious Bias

Unconscious Bias related to things like race or language is a serious issue in any sport, including hockey. Unfortunately, it can have a significant impact on a player's confidence and performance, especially if they are constantly subjected to negative comments or discrimination. This can lead to a lack of self-esteem and make it challenging for the player to build the confidence needed to succeed on the ice.

To help address these issues, it's important for coaches and teammates to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all players, regardless of their race or language background. This can be done by promoting diversity and respecting each player's unique skills and abilities. It's also essential to provide regular feedback to players, not only on areas of improvement but also on their strengths and what they are doing well. This feedback can help players recognize their strengths and build confidence in their abilities.

Additionally, it may be helpful for coaches to provide extra support and guidance to players who are experiencing bias or discrimination. This can be done through one-on-one conversations, team-building activities, and workshops on diversity and inclusion. By providing a supportive environment, coaches and teammates can help young players build their confidence, reach their full potential, and overcome any obstacles they may face related to race or language.

Study:

A study published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology looked at the impact of language and ethnicity on the career development of Canadian intercollegiate athletes. The study found that language and ethnicity were significant predictors of athletes' perceptions of barriers to career development. In particular, language minority athletes perceived more barriers than their majority-language counterparts, including a lack of confidence, communication difficulties with coaches and teammates, and difficulty building relationships with coaches and administrators.

Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Sport and Social Issues found that language minority athletes in the United States often face a "double burden" of discrimination based on both their race/ethnicity and language minority status. This can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and a lack of belongingness in the athletic community.

It's important for coaches and teammates to be aware of these issues and take steps to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all players, regardless of their language or cultural background.

Lack of Recognition

If a young hockey player doesn't receive recognition from their peers and coaches, it can be demotivating and lead to a lack of self-confidence. However, it's important for the player to remember that recognition isn't the only measure of success, and to focus on their own personal growth and development. They can work on building their skills, improving their techniques, and consistently putting in their best effort, even if they don't receive immediate recognition.

It can also be helpful for the player to seek out additional opportunities to improve and showcase their abilities, such as attending camps, clinics, or tournaments. These experiences can help them gain exposure to new coaches and players, receive feedback on their performance, and develop their skills further.

As a coach or parent, it's important to provide consistent support and encouragement to the young player, regardless of their on-ice performance. Celebrate their achievements, big or small, and help them set realistic goals for themselves. Building a positive and supportive environment can go a long way in helping a young player build their confidence and develop their skills.

Study:

There have been studies that show a correlation between lack of recognition and self-confidence issues. 

One study published in the International Journal of Sport Psychology (Mallett, 2005) examined the impact of social support on the self-esteem and self-confidence of adolescent athletes. The study found that athletes who felt unrecognized and unsupported by their peers and coaches had lower levels of self-esteem and self-confidence, which could lead to poor performance and increased stress. 

Conversely, the study found that praise and recognition were strong predictors of children's self-esteem and confidence. The study found that children who received more positive feedback and recognition tended to have higher levels of self-esteem and confidence.

The study concluded that providing social support and recognition to athletes can have a positive impact on their psychological well-being and athletic performance.

In the context of hockey, a lack of recognition from coaches or teammates could cause a player to doubt their abilities and feel less confident on the ice. 

Perceived Favoritism - Short shifting, creating "Role Players"

Perceiving favoritism towards other players can also hurt a player's confidence. When a player believes that their coach is showing favoritism towards certain players, they may feel that their own efforts and achievements are not being recognized or rewarded fairly. This can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, and a loss of motivation to perform at their best.

Unfortunately, short-shifting and the role player mindset are two practices that demonstrate favoritism to the young players and they can negatively impact a player's confidence, and ultimately their performance on the ice.

Short-shifting occurs when a coach plays their most talented players for longer periods of time, while other players receive less ice time. This approach is often used in an effort to win games, but it can have negative consequences for the players who are left on the bench. When players are short-shifted, they may feel like they are not valued or appreciated by the coach, which can lead to a loss of confidence in their abilities. They may begin to question their skills and wonder if they are good enough to compete at a high level.

Furthermore, when players are short-shifted, they may not get the opportunity to get into a rhythm or flow of the game. They may feel rushed or pressured to make an impact on the ice, which can lead to mistakes and poor decision-making. This can further erode their confidence, as they may feel like they are not contributing to the team in a meaningful way.

The role player mindset is another practice that can negatively impact a player's confidence. This mindset is often associated with players who are not the most skilled on the team, and who are expected to play a specific role on the ice, such as a defensive player or penalty killer. While these roles are important and necessary for the success of the team, players who are pigeonholed into these roles may feel like they are not capable of contributing in other areas of the game. They may feel like they are not as valuable to the team as their more talented teammates, which can lead to a loss of confidence in their abilities.

Furthermore, players who are stuck in the role player mindset may not get the opportunity to develop their skills in other areas of the game. They may feel like they are not given the chance to showcase their full potential, which can be frustrating and demotivating.

To address this issue, it's important for coaches to create an environment where all players are treated fairly and given equal opportunities to succeed. This means providing clear and consistent expectations for all players, as well as recognizing and rewarding good performance and effort regardless of personal biases or preferences. It's also important for players to communicate with their coaches about their concerns and feelings, in a respectful and constructive manner. By working together and fostering a culture of fairness and accountability, coaches and players can help to build confidence and motivation in all members of the team.

Study:

There have been several studies on the negative effects of perceived favoritism in sports, including its impact on athletes' self-confidence. Here are a few examples:

These studies suggest that perceived favoritism can have a negative impact on athletes' self-confidence and overall well-being. It's important for coaches and team leaders to be aware of this issue and work to create a fair and supportive environment for all athletes.

Feeling like an Outsider to the Main Group

Feeling like an outsider is a common issue faced by young hockey players who may not have grown up in the same community or gone to the same schools as their teammates. This can create a sense of isolation and make it difficult for the player to feel like they are part of the team. It's important for coaches and teammates to be aware of this and make an effort to include the player in team activities and social events.

One way to address this issue is to create team-building activities that bring everyone together, regardless of their background or experiences. This can include things like team meals, outings, or even community service projects that allow the team to bond and develop a sense of camaraderie.

Additionally, coaches and teammates can make an effort to get to know the player better and learn about their interests and experiences outside of hockey. By making a genuine effort to connect with the player, they can help them feel more accepted and valued as a member of the team.

It's important to note that feeling like an outsider can have a negative impact on a player's confidence and performance on the ice. By taking steps to address this issue, coaches and teammates can help the player feel more confident and engaged, which can lead to improved performance and a more positive overall experience on the team.

Study:

Some studies in the past that have looked at the effects of social isolation and exclusion on self-confidence and performance in sports. One study published in 2014 in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that athletes who perceived themselves as socially isolated or excluded from their team reported lower levels of self-confidence and had more negative emotions than those who felt connected to their team. The study also found that athletes who felt more socially integrated had better performance and more positive emotions. While this study did not specifically focus on hockey, the findings suggest that social connectedness is an important factor in self-confidence and performance in sports. 

Building Confidence

Building confidence is a crucial aspect of any athlete's mental game, and hockey players are no exception. However, maintaining a high level of confidence can be challenging, especially when a player is in a slump. It's easy to get caught up in negative self-talk and doubt one's abilities, but that's where mindfulness can come in to play.

However, developing and maintaining self-confidence can help players to overcome challenges and stay motivated and focused on their goals. Mindful hockey techniques, such as positive self-talk, visualization, and breathing exercises, can be especially helpful for building confidence and resilience in the face of adversity. Coaches and teams can also support players' confidence by providing regular feedback, setting achievable goals, and creating a supportive and positive team culture.

One effective strategy for building confidence is to focus on past successes. By recalling past accomplishments and reminding oneself of one's strengths and capabilities, a player can build a positive self-image and increase confidence. Another effective strategy is to set achievable goals and focus on the process of achieving them, rather than solely on the outcome. This can help players stay motivated and build confidence by acknowledging small successes along the way.

By visualizing oneself successfully executing skills and plays on the ice, a player can create a positive mental image and build confidence in their ability to perform. NHL player Sidney Crosby is known for his use of visualization, often visualizing himself scoring goals and making game-winning plays.

Another important aspect of building confidence is practicing self-compassion. It's essential to acknowledge and accept mistakes and failures, rather than beating oneself up over them. NHL player P.K. Subban has spoken about the importance of self-compassion in building confidence, stating that he focuses on the present moment and doesn't dwell on past mistakes.

Mindful breathing and body scanning can also be effective techniques for building confidence. By focusing on the breath and scanning the body for tension, a player can become more present in the moment and feel more confident in their physical abilities.

Overall, building and maintaining confidence is crucial for success in hockey, and incorporating mindful hockey techniques can be a powerful way to achieve it. By focusing on past successes, setting achievable goals, visualizing success, practicing self-compassion, and using mindful breathing and body scanning techniques, players can build a strong foundation of confidence to carry them through slumps and challenges.

Conclusion,

To help young players build confidence, it's important to focus on their strengths and encourage positive self-talk. Coaches and parents can help by providing constructive feedback and creating a supportive environment. It's also important to set realistic expectations for the player and not put too much pressure on them to perform at a level beyond their current abilities.

Practicing mindfulness can also be an effective tool for building confidence. By focusing on the present moment and not dwelling on past mistakes or future worries, players can build resilience and boost their self-confidence. Visualization exercises can also be helpful, as they allow players to visualize themselves making successful plays and build confidence in their abilities.

Ultimately, building confidence in young hockey players requires a combination of patience, encouragement, and supportive guidance. With the right mindset and approach, young players can overcome their confidence issues and reach their full potential on the ice.