Brickell

One of the most common questions I receive from parents is, "How much should my child be training?"

At SPMI, we work with athletes of all ages and across many sports, but one of the most prominent demographics we serve are high school athletes. For many of these athletes, they are working tirelessly toward one goal: earning a college scholarship. While physical ability and technical skill are essential, they are often not what separates athletes at this level. Emotional control and the ability to perform under pressure are what truly make the difference.

Many parents and coaches dream of seeing a young athlete reach their full potential. At SPMI we have found that there are 6 core components to achieving the highest level. Surprisingly, these same areas when developed are directly correlated to helping them succeed in the classroom and in life. While reading this article I challenge parents and athletes to rate each category from 1 to 10 to get a better understanding of how to maximize you or your young athlete’s full potential.

At SPMI, we help athletes master the mental game because the mind drives the body, and it must be prepared for every challenge, regardless of the stakes. One of the most powerful demonstrations of true mental toughness comes from the United States Navy SEALs. Throughout the years, we have been fortunate to work with several Navy SEAL trainees, helping them develop the mental resilience required for BUD/S training, particularly the demands of Hell Week, where composure, focus, and endurance are pushed to their limits.

At SPMI (Sport Psychology Movement Institute), we work with athletes to help them master the mental game and one of the most common challenges across all sports and levels is intrusive thoughts.

At SPMI we work with some of the best professional and junior athletes in the world as well as many more talented athletes who also are aspiring for greatness. And one of the most common questions that are asked are about what truly distinguishes professional athletes from amateur ones. When people talk about the difference between professional athletes and amateurs, the conversation usually starts with talent, speed, strength, or skill. While those factors matter, they are rarely what separates athletes at the highest levels.

Today’s children are growing up in a world marked by rising anxiety, fear of mistakes, and increasing pressure to be perfect. Many young people struggle with stress, self-doubt, and the emotional weight of expectations. One of the most effective ways to counter these challenges is through sports, an environment uniquely designed to build strength, resilience, and confidence from the inside out.