Tween Athletes: Is Hypnosis Beneficial?

Should competitive youth athletic programs include training in mental preparation as a complement to physical conditioning and skill development?

That's a question that came up yesterday on the soccer field as I watched my son's travel team.  I chatted with the parents of another player who also have a fifth grade daughter who competes in gymnastics.  Her practice schedule includes three sessions a week each of which run four hours in length.

That is an intense commitment for an 11-year-old, who has to balance gymnastics with her participation in other sports, school work and social activities.  Plus, her parents talked about the emotional aspect of gymnastics because it involves a highly physical skill set with a potential risk of injury.

In fact, if I recall correctly, the parents mentioned that several of the gymnasts already spend time with a sports psychologist as part of their training. 

I have written extensively on this blog about my work with high school and college level athletes helping them raise the level of performance through hypnosis.  Here are links to a few posts worth checking out:

Hypnosis for Exceptional Athletic Performance

Beach Hypnosis

Hypnosis Helps a Newly Minted College Athlete

Hypnosis for Hoops


I am cautious about the use of hypnosis for any one under the age of 16.  A positive hypnotic experience requires a level of concentration and focus that may elude this younger set because of simple maturity.

Yet, some basic positive visualizations for a young athlete could be incredibly beneficial.  It could spur confidence and instill important feelings of accomplishment.

Positive visualization can improve performance.  Source: Gymnastics Revolution