The Mental Edge for Young Athletes is a practical, inspiring, and highly accessible guide for athletes ages 10-18 who want to build confidence, handle pressure, and perform at their best-both on and off the court. Drawing from 25 years of experience as a sports psychologist, world champion tennis player, and mental performance coach, Jeff Greenwald translates the most important mindset skills into simple tools young athletes can use right away.
This book teaches athletes how to stay composed during competition, release mistakes quickly, manage emotions, trust their training, and shift out of negative thinking before it spirals. Using relatable examples, short stories, and step-by-step strategies, Greenwald helps athletes understand what's happening in their minds and bodies-and exactly how to take back control.
Parents and coaches will also appreciate the clarity and practicality of this approach. Each chapter offers actionable insights, "Mastery Tips," and tools to help athletes strengthen self-belief, stay focused under pressure, and build the habits of resilience, consistency, and enjoyment.
Whether your athlete struggles with nerves, overthinking, inconsistency, frustration, perfectionism, fear of disappointing others, or the mental weight of expectations, this book provides a proven framework to help them develop the confidence and mental stability needed for long-term success.
The Mental Edge for Young Athletes gives young competitors the blueprint for becoming calmer, tougher, and more in control-so they can perform freely, enjoy their sport more deeply, and reach their full potential with confidence.