As a sports parent, your words have a huge impact on your athlete’s confidence, mindset, and love for the game. The way you talk before, during, and after games can shape their experience—either fueling their motivation or adding pressure.

Here are five powerful phrases every sports parent should use to support and encourage their athlete in a way that builds resilience, confidence, and passion for their sport.

1. “I love watching you play.”

This simple phrase takes the pressure off results and shifts the focus to pure enjoyment. Instead of analyzing every play or critiquing performance, let them know you enjoy the experience of watching them compete.

🏆 Why it matters: Athletes thrive when they feel supported, not judged. Knowing their effort—not just their results—is appreciated helps them stay confident and motivated.

Try this instead of:
❌ "Why did you miss that play?"
❌ "You should have done better today."

Bonus tip: Say it before and after games, regardless of the outcome.

2. “How did that feel for you?”

Instead of jumping in with your own thoughts, let your athlete take the lead. Asking this question helps them reflect on their performance and develop their own perspective.

🏆 Why it matters: It shows you value their experience over your own opinion and encourages them to become self-aware and self-motivated.

Try this instead of:
❌ "You played great!" or "You played terribly!" (both can feel dismissive)

Bonus tip: If they seem upset, follow up with, "Do you want to talk about it or take some time first?"

3. “What’s one thing you did well today?”

This question reinforces growth and confidence, even after a tough game. Athletes tend to focus on their mistakes, but you can help shift their mindset by encouraging them to find a positive takeaway from every game or practice.

🏆 Why it matters: Helps build confidence, prevents negative self-talk, and reinforces the importance of progress over perfection.

Try this instead of:
❌ "You need to work on…" (without first acknowledging something positive)

Bonus tip: Follow up with, "What’s one thing you want to work on next time?" to promote a growth mindset.

4. “I love your effort and attitude.”

Praising effort and attitude over results teaches resilience and keeps athletes motivated even when they don’t win. It tells them that success isn’t just about the scoreboard—it’s about the way they compete, hustle, and handle challenges.

🏆 Why it matters: Encourages hard work, perseverance, and mental toughness—qualities that last beyond sports.

Try this instead of:
❌ "You’re the best player out there!" (This can create pressure and unrealistic expectations.)

Bonus tip: Be specific! Say, "I love how you kept hustling even when you were down."

5. “I’m proud of you no matter what.”

Athletes need to know that your love and pride aren’t tied to their performance. This phrase reassures them that your support is unconditional, whether they win or lose, play well or struggle.

🏆 Why it matters: Removes fear of failure and builds emotional security in their sports journey.

Try this instead of:
❌ "I’m proud of you when you win." (Conditional praise can create pressure.)

Bonus tip: Reinforce it often—in wins, losses, and everything in between.

Final Thoughts

Your words as a sports parent shape how your athlete feels about themselves, their sport, and their ability to handle challenges. These five simple phrases can help your athlete stay confident, resilient, and passionate—without unnecessary pressure.

✅ Keep it simple.
✅ Focus on effort over outcome.
✅ Let them take the lead in post-game conversations.