Instilling confidence in children

I have a 12 year old who has just had his first fight on the mats but is severely lacking in confidence. He`s great on the pads but as he spars/fights he just gets totally withdrawn & I`m extremely concerned where I should go from here.

Any advice would be really grateful :)

Speak to your son. Find out why his confidence goes when it comes to the contact side. Don't forget he is still a young lad, might not of made up his mind if its what he really wants to do. I'm not sure why your extremely concerned, is this something your son wants to do, or what you want him to do?

It`s not my son but a relation, he wants to do it it`s not something he`s been forced into. My concern is it affecting him in the future if he cant break this habit, I totally get that he`s still young hence why I`m asking if anyone has had a similar problem that they could advise me on.

I have done one-on-one work with people to make changes like this and there are several techniques I use as a mind coach. Its knowing how to access these emotional states and maintaining contact to these during sparring.

Drop me a message on rich@starmindcoaching.co.uk

Vinny Shoreman has done some exceptional work around the country with fighters and families I would recommend him to anyone vshoreman@hotmail.com http://facebook.com/vshoreman........

Vinny worked with a youngster at my gym , who suffered real bad nerves and was underperforming. we couldnt work out why so i sent him to Vinny , and i saw an immediate change when he came back training and his general attitude. highly recommneded.