☕ In this Coffee Talk episode, BJ Johnson begins a 4-part series on mental health in youth sports with the challenge every parent and coach knows too well: pressure. From practice standouts who freeze in games to athletes who overthink when the lights are on, BJ breaks down why nerves aren’t weakness, they’re biology! You’ll walk away with practical tools to help athletes handle pressure, reframe nerves, and build confidence that lasts far beyond the game.

Key Takeaways:
• Why athletes look different in practice vs. games
• How pressure triggers “paralysis by analysis”
• 4 practical tools to help kids handle nerves: pre-performance routines, external cues, expressive writing, reframing butterflies
• The importance of self-compassion in sports
• Simple do’s and don’ts for parents and coaches in big moments

🎧 Subscribe to Coffee Talk on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen, and don’t miss the next part of our mental health series, it’s a good one!

💬 Keep the conversation going with us on social media @AroundTheDirt and tag us with your story of how you help athletes handle pressure. 🩵