Young athletes face unique challenges, from physical development to social pressures and performance expectations, which can sometimes hinder them from realizing their full potential. But with the proper support, they can discover just how strong they truly are.

At Miller Physical Therapy, we believe in a whole-person approach to sports performance. Strength isn’t just about building muscles; it’s also about building confidence, resilience, and mental focus. By combining sports rehabilitation, physical conditioning, and mindset strategies, athletes can push past self-doubt and develop lifelong tools for success.

From overcoming injuries to navigating challenging coaching moments, empowerment means giving young athletes the confidence to advocate for themselves, trust their abilities, and find strength in every part of their journey.

Understanding Mental Blocks in Athletes

One of the biggest hurdles athletes face isn’t always physical; it’s mental. In the 3 Tools to Help Your Athlete Overcome Mental Blocks episode of The Raising Elite Competitors Podcast by The Elite Competitor, Coach Breanne Smedley explains what happens when an athlete experiences a mental block.

A mental block occurs when an athlete can physically perform a skill but mentally feels stuck. It’s not about ability — it’s about fear, pressure, or self-doubt.

Examples include:

• A gymnast who suddenly can’t go backward on the beam.
  
  
• A soccer player who hesitates instead of taking the shot.
  
  
• A baseball pitcher who second-guesses every throw.
  
  
• A volleyball player who tips the ball instead of swinging with power.
  
  

In these moments, the brain signals, “This doesn’t feel safe,” creating a disconnect between knowledge and action.

Three Tools to Help Overcome Mental Blocks

The good news is that mental blocks are temporary. With the right tools, athletes can work through them and come back stronger. The podcast highlights three strategies that align with our approach at Miller PT:

1. Normalize It, Don’t Shame It

   Mental blocks are common. Even elite athletes like Simone Biles have faced them. The first step is creating a supportive environment. By letting athletes know this is normal and not a sign of weakness, they feel safe enough to rebuild confidence.
   
   

2. Build a Bridge, Not a Leap

   Progress comes from small steps, not big leaps. Breaking skills into smaller, manageable parts, through drills, spotting, or modified movements, allows athletes to rebuild trust between mind and body one step at a time.
   
   

3. Train the Mind (Not Just the Body)
   

   Athletes spend hours conditioning their bodies, but mindset training is just as important. Breathwork, visualization, and positive self-talk calm nerves, reframe doubts, and prepare the brain for performance. Even five minutes of daily mental training can make a significant difference.

Stronger Than They Think

At Miller PT, we see it every day: when athletes learn to overcome both physical setbacks and mental barriers, they don’t just return to play — they return stronger. Empowerment comes from resilience, and resilience is built through training both the body and the mind.

Because when athletes realize they are stronger than they think, the impact goes far beyond sports — it shapes who they become in life.

• At Miller PT, we help athletes grow stronger inside and out.
• For more tips on building confidence and resilience, check out The Raising Elite Competitors Podcast by The Elite Competitor.

And if you’re ready for more, don’t miss our free training — sign up here: elitecompetitor.com/free-training