Helping Teen Athletes Build Confidence, Focus & Mental Strength
1:1 coaching and mental rehearsal for young athletes who want to overcome pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and compete with calm and confidence — online or in-person in Galway.
They Train Hard. But Something’s Still Holding Them Back.
Your teen is dedicated. They show up to training. They listen to coaching.
But when it really counts — they freeze, overthink, or shut down.
Maybe they’ve said things like:
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“I’m so frustrated — I can do this in practice, but not in games.”
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“I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
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“I’m afraid I’ll mess it up again.”
Or maybe they say nothing at all — and you’re left watching their confidence slowly fade.
This isn’t about talent. It’s not about toughness.
It’s about how their mind is processing pressure.
And no one ever teaches them how to handle that.
What They Really Need Isn’t More Reps — It’s Mental Tools
The truth is, most young athletes aren’t taught how to manage nerves, pressure, or frustration.
They’re told to “stay confident” or “shake it off” — but no one shows them how.
That’s where I come in.
Through 1:1 coaching and guided visualisation, I help teen athletes:
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Understand what’s going on in their head under pressure
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Build real tools to stay calm, focused, and in control
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Reconnect with their natural skills — even in high-stakes moments
This isn’t therapy. It’s not generic advice.
It’s mental performance coaching tailored to the challenges your teen is facing — on the pitch, court, or course.
“The secret isn’t controlling your teen’s mind — it’s helping them understand how their thinking interacts with their natural abilities. When they stop overthinking, their true performance shines through.”
How I Help Teen Athletes Perform with Confidence
My coaching blends sports psychology, guided visualisation, and real-world experience to help teens stop overthinking and start performing.
In simple terms:
I teach your teen how to manage their thoughts, reset after mistakes, and build confidence that lasts — not just for sport, but for life.
Through 1:1 sessions (online or in-person), we work on:
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Building focus before and during competition
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Letting go of mistakes and bouncing back fast
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Handling nerves, pressure, and external expectations
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Creating mental routines that feel natural and repeatable
This is mental training that meets your teen where they are — and helps them get where they want to go.
"My son was recently selected to play juvenile badminton for Ireland and we found that his sessions with Rob were one of the main reasons he achieved his goal. The sessions helped my son control his emotions in high pressure situations so that he could play to his true ability in the important matches. We would recommend Rob to any juvenile sports person looking for help with the mental side of sport."
Noel Cunningham - Father of Teen Athlete
My 3-Step Process for Teen Athlete Confidence
A simple, proven system designed to help your teen feel more confident, focused, and in control — no matter what sport they play.
🔁 Step 1: Understand
We uncover what’s really going on
Your teen learns how their mind works under pressure — and what’s been getting in the way of their best performance.
🛠️ Step 2: Rebuild
We build tools they can actually use
Together, we create personalized routines, visualisation techniques, and reset strategies they can use before, during, and after competition.
🚀 Step 3: Perform
They compete with clarity and calm
With their new mental tools in place, your teen returns to sport with more confidence, focus, and consistency — and it shows.
Let’s Talk About What Your Teen Needs
Every athlete is different — and so is every mental challenge.
Whether your teen is struggling with nerves, confidence, or focus, this is the first step toward helping them perform with freedom again.
No pressure. Just a conversation.
You’ll get clarity on what’s going on — and whether this is the right fit for your child.
Why Work With Me
I’ve spent the last 7+ years helping athletes — including teenagers — improve how they think, feel, and perform under pressure.
With a background in sports psychology and advanced training in guided visualisation, I specialize in helping young athletes stay calm, confident, and focused when it matters most.
This isn’t therapy, and it’s not tough-love coaching.
It’s a practical, supportive space where your teen can learn the mental tools no one ever teaches — but every athlete needs.
📜 Credentials
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MSc in Sport & Exercise Psychology
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PGA-Recognised Golf Psychology Certificate
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Advanced Guided Visualisation & Mental Skills Coaching
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Member of the European Federation of Sports Psychology (FEPSAC)
