Parent Tryout
& Showcase
Guide
Help your athlete feel supported, compete freely, and grow from the experience.
Flow Mental Performance provides coaching for the often-overlooked mental side of the game—helping athletes build confidence, manage pressure, and get the most out of their performance when it matters most.
Your role as a parent
Provide calm, confidence, and perspective—not another layer of pressure.
During Training: The Weeks Leading Up
Confidence grows through consistent preparation, not last-minute pressure. Help your athlete focus on what they can control each day.
Encourage them to
- Practice with purpose rather than trying to be perfect.
- Focus on effort, communication, body language, and responding well to mistakes.
- Protect the basics: sleep, nutrition, hydration, and recovery.
- Visualize competing confidently and handling difficult moments well.
- Treat nerves as a sign that the opportunity matters—not that they are unprepared.
Try asking
- “What is one thing you want to focus on at training today?”
- “What did you improve this week?”
- “How can I best support you leading up to the event?”
“You don’t need to become a different athlete for this tryout. Trust your preparation and compete as yourself.”
Before the Game: Reduce Pressure
Keep your message brief and supportive. Avoid last-minute coaching, comparisons, or reminders about what is at stake.
“You don’t have to prove everything today. Trust your preparation and compete.”
“Focus on communication, effort, and responding well to mistakes.”
“Be present, play your game, and enjoy the opportunity.”
“I love watching you compete, no matter what happens on the score sheet.”
During the Game: Support, Don’t Evaluate
Let the coaches coach and your athlete compete. Remember that your reactions can either reduce or increase pressure.
Do
- Cheer for effort, teamwork, resilience, and positive responses.
- Keep your body language steady after mistakes or limited playing time.
- Support the athlete without evaluating every play.
Avoid
- Shouting instructions or correcting decisions.
- Visible frustration or disappointment.
- Coaching from the sidelines.
The Car Ride Home: Let Them Lead
Give your athlete the opportunity to tell you about the experience in their own time. You can always share your perspective later, but they must be emotionally ready to receive it.
Think of feedback like a pass between a quarterback and a receiver: even a perfectly thrown ball will not be caught if the receiver is not looking or ready. Before offering feedback, make sure your athlete is open and ready to receive it.
Try asking
- “Would you like to talk about it, or would you rather have some space?”
- “Do you want me to listen, or would you like my perspective?”
Finish with connection
- “I loved watching you compete.”
- “I’m proud of you. Events like this are hard.”
- “You challenged yourself and got better today.”
- “One performance doesn’t define you. I’m always in your corner.”
When They’re Ready: Encourage Growth
Start by supporting the person—not evaluating the player. When your athlete is ready, ask open-ended questions:
What to Avoid
- ×Reviewing every mistake immediately after the event (Athletes know when they messed up!)
- ×Comparing your athlete with teammates or opponents
- ×Asking first about selections, rankings, statistics, or playing time
- ×Criticizing coaches, officials, or other athletes
- ×Turning the ride home into an evaluation session
Remember
One performance, one tryout, or one coach’s evaluation does not define your athlete. Your steady support helps them compete freely, recover from mistakes, and build confidence that lasts beyond the game.
Every Athlete Deserves a Team Behind Them
A parent’s belief is often the foundation of an athlete’s confidence. You know your athlete, understand what drives them, and provide the support that matters most.
Mental performance coaching adds another layer to that foundation—giving athletes a dedicated space to strengthen the mental skills required when the pressure rises.
You have already helped them reach the opportunity. We can help them step into it ready.
The work starts before the moment. Connect with one of our coaches and help your athlete prepare for what’s next.