Managing Challenging Behavior in Youth Sports

Why do some young athletes shut down, act out, or lose motivation—and what can coaches and parents do to help?

Youth sports offer much more than opportunities to learn athletic skills—they're one of the most powerful environments for helping young people build confidence, resilience, teamwork, emotional regulation, and strong relationships.

But coaches, parents, and volunteers also encounter challenging moments. A child refuses to go to practice. An athlete melts down after making a mistake. Teammates argue. Competition creates anxiety. Adults struggle to know how to respond in ways that support learning without increasing stress.

This free, 1-hour course explores how understanding the reasons behind challenging behavior can transform the way we coach and support young athletes.

Drawing from the evidence-based Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS) approach and the expertise of leaders in child development, trauma, coaching, and youth sports, you'll learn practical strategies that help young people build the skills they need to succeed—both on and off the field.

Who should take this course?

This course is designed for:

• Youth sports coaches
• Assistant coaches
• Volunteer coaches
• Parents and caregivers
• Recreation and club sports leaders
• Athletic directors
• Anyone who works with young athletes

In this course, you'll learn how to:

• Understand why challenging behavior occurs in youth sports.
• Support motivation without relying on rewards or punishment.
• Help athletes develop resilience after mistakes and losses.
• Reduce anxiety and create emotionally safe learning environments.
• Coach through frustration while preserving strong relationships.
• Build self-regulation skills into everyday practices.
• Foster positive team cultures where every athlete can thrive.
  

Meet Your Instructors