Join host Valerie Alston in this episode of 'Car Ride Conversations' as she reunites with her dad and former coach for an in-depth discussion on the parent-coach dynamic. Learn about the psychology behind sideline behavior, what separates champion teams, and the mindset shifts that took them from local league to national champions. Valerie and her dad share personal stories from their travel softball journey, valuable leadership lessons, and key insights on building trust, effort, and resilience in young athletes. Perfect for parent-coaches, the episode is packed with practical advice to help strengthen relationships and foster lifelong skills in young athletes. Tune in for actionable prompts designed to spark meaningful conversations during your next car ride. If you enjoy this episode, please leave a review and share it with others who might benefit!

00:00 Introduction: The Parent-Coach Dynamic

01:23 The Psychology of Sideline Behavior

02:17 Building a Winning Team Culture

03:12 Handling Pressure and Maintaining Composure

05:47 Inclusive Coaching and Player Development

10:17 Conversation Prompts for Parents and Kids

13:33 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Discussion questions:

1. What do you think matters more to a coach—effort or performance? Why? Follow-up: Have you ever had a game where you gave full effort but still made mistakes? How did it feel?
2. How should a team handle pressure when a game gets tight? Follow-up: What helps you stay calm and focused in big moments? What makes it harder?
3. Why is it important for every athlete to know their role on a team—even if they’re not always playing? Follow-up: What’s one way a coach or teammate could help someone feel more included even when they’re not on the field?
4. How should parents or coaches talk to kids about playing time or position changes?Follow-up: How would you want that feedback to be delivered to you?

Thanks for joining me on Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a moment. Share it with other parents or coaches who could use a little extra inspiration on the go.

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For more specific tips on building mental toughness, buy my book Confident, Calm and Clutch: How to build confidence and mental toughness for young athletes using sports psychology

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Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email me: valerie.alston@valstoncoaching.com

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