How Young Athletes Can Handle Criticism and Stay Confident

Every young athlete, no matter how talented, will face criticism at some point. It might come from coaches, teammates, parents, the media, or even fans. And let’s be honest—negative comments can hurt. They can make a player question their abilities and even affect their love for the game.

But here’s the thing: criticism isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes, it helps athletes grow, refine their skills, and push their limits. Other times, it’s just noise, harsh words that serve no real purpose other than to tear someone down. If young athletes don’t learn how to filter the useful from the useless, criticism can eat away at their confidence, motivation, and enjoyment of their sport.

So how can young athletes stay mentally strong in the face of criticism? Let’s go through some simple but powerful ways they can handle it without letting it knock them off course.

  • Filter the negative and find the gold in the dirt
    Not all criticism is created equal. Some feedback is constructive and can genuinely help an athlete improve. The key is learning to separate the useful advice from the unhelpful negativity. If a coach points out an area that needs work, that’s valuable feedback. If someone is just being rude or overly harsh, it’s best to let it go and move forward.
  • Cancel the noise and ignore what doesn’t serve you
    Some criticism isn’t worth a second thought. Insulting comments from an unhappy teammate, a frustrated opposition, or an online troll? That’s simply noise, let it go. Encourage young athletes to focus on voices that matter, like their own self-belief and the guidance of trusted coaches and mentors.
  • Think big picture, one bad game doesn’t define you
    Every athlete has off days. A missed shot, a slow race, or a tough loss doesn’t mean they’re a failure. It’s just part of the game. Help young athletes remember that success in sport isn’t about one performance—it’s about long-term growth. A bad moment today is just a stepping stone to improvement tomorrow.
  • Control what you can control, your response matters more than the criticism
    Athletes can’t control what others say, but they can control how they respond. They can choose to dwell on negative comments, or they can focus on their effort, mindset, and preparation. The best athletes in the world understand that mistakes and criticism are partof the journey, and they use them as fuel to get better.
  • Learn from the best, watch how top athletes handle criticism
    The best athletes in the world know what it’s like to be criticised. They’ve been doubted, made fun of, and picked apart by the media, coaches, and fans. But what sets them apart is how they respond. Instead of letting negativity shake their confidence, they stay focused on their goals, trust the process, and put in the work to improve. This is what separates those who fold under pressure from those who rise above it.

So, use criticism as a tool, not a weapon against yourself. Criticism is part of sports…and life. The key is to use it wisely rather than let it take control.

Final takeaway:

  • Take the useful feedback and apply it.
  • Let go of the noise and negativity.
  • Keep the focus on the bigger picture.
  • Control your response and stay confident.

With these strategies, young athletes can develop the resilience they need to stay mentally strong, bounce back from setbacks, and continue growing in their sport. Because at the end of the day, what really matters isn’t what others say, it’s what they believe about themselves.

Anoush Davies & the PMU Team
MSc, Certified life and parent coach (PCC, ICF)

Please refer to the PMU articles page for more articles. PMU is committed to helping young athletes, parents, and coaches reach their full potential through psychoeducation, articles, training programs and courses.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.