How to Support Your Child’s Confidence in Basketball (and Beyond)

Ashley Watson

One of the most common things I hear from parents when they bring their child to Watson Basketball Academy is:

“My child just doesn’t have much confidence.”

Low confidence can make kids hesitant to try new things, shy away from challenges, and doubt their own abilities — even when they have plenty of potential. It’s something I take seriously because confidence isn’t just about sports; it impacts how kids approach school, friendships, and life.

Let’s break down where confidence comes from, how I build it through training, and how you as a parent can support it, too.

🌱 Where Confidence Comes From

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with — it’s built over time through a few key ingredients:

  • Skill development — Kids feel more confident when they know how to do something.

  • Positive experiences — Successes, even small ones, reinforce the belief that effort pays off.

  • Supportive environments — Encouragement and constructive feedback help kids take risks without fear of failure.

  • Mindset — Confidence grows when kids learn to see challenges as opportunities to get better, not threats to avoid.

🏀 How We Build Confidence at Watson Basketball Academy

In every training session, my goal is to create an environment where kids can grow — not just in skill, but in belief in themselves. Here’s how:

  • Foundations first: We start with achievable skills, gradually increasing difficulty. Early wins help build momentum.

  • Effort over outcome: I praise hard work, focus, and trying new things, not just “making the shot.”

  • Clear progress: I give athletes feedback on what they’re improving, so they can see their growth.

  • Mental tools: When kids hit a wall, I teach them ways to reset — breathing, refocusing, positive self-talk — so they don’t get stuck in frustration.

👨‍👩‍👧 How Parents Can Support Confidence

Parents play a huge role in this process. Here’s what helps most:

  • Celebrate the effort: Ask your child what they learned or tried today, not just “Did you win?”

  • Model growth mindset: Show them that mistakes are part of learning — even as adults.

  • Trust the process: Confidence often grows quietly. Progress may feel slow, but every rep and every session builds a stronger foundation.

  • Be consistent: Support regular practice and show up for their games and training sessions when you can — presence matters.

Confidence isn’t built overnight, but with the right environment — at home and on the court — your child can develop the self-belief to take on challenges, handle adversity, and enjoy the game at a whole new level.

If you’re ready to help your child grow their skills and confidence, we’d love to have them schedule an evaluation.

📩 Contact us today to find the best fit for your athlete.