How to Build Confidence as an Athlete

Confidence isn’t just about skills—it’s about mindset. Here’s how to break through self-doubt and believe in your abilities.

When people think of confident athletes, they often picture someone who never doubts themselves, always nails their routines, and thrives under pressure. But here’s the truth: even the best athletes struggle with confidence sometimes. Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. And just like a new skill, it takes time, reps, and patience.

The first step to building real confidence is understanding that mistakes don’t mean failure. They’re part of the process. Every time you fall out of a skill or forget a count or miss a tumbling pass, you're learning. What matters most is how you respond to those moments. Do you give up, or do you come back stronger? Confidence grows when you realize that progress isn’t linear and setbacks don’t define your worth as an athlete.

Positive self-talk is another powerful tool. We’re quick to cheer for our teammates, but so often, we’re our own worst critics. Changing your inner voice can completely shift your mindset. Replace “I can’t do this” with “I’m getting better every time I try.” Remind yourself of what you’ve already overcome. Speak to yourself with the same kindness and encouragement you’d give a teammate—because you deserve that, too.

Another huge part of confidence? Preparation. Knowing your routine inside and out, drilling the hard stuff even when it’s frustrating, and showing up consistently to practice all build a foundation of trust in yourself. When you’ve put in the work, you can step onto the mat or the floor with the peace of mind that you are ready. That belief doesn’t come from luck—it comes from hustle.

It’s so important to surround yourself with the right energy. Confidence thrives in a supportive environment. Coaches who believe in you, teammates who lift you up, and friends who celebrate your wins—those things matter. If you’re constantly comparing yourself to others or feeling like you’re falling behind, it’s time to shift your focus inward. Your journey is yours. Own it.

Confidence comes from repetition and success—so the more you can practice the things that scare you a little, the braver and more capable you’ll feel. For tumbling, set up small progressions—like connecting a round-off back handspring into a soft mat or working through fear with spotted reps. For flyers, try drills that help with body control and air awareness like body positions on a stunt stand or balance training on a bosu ball. Create small wins throughout the week. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. The more athletes feel prepared, the more confident they become. 

As coaches, our job isn’t just to teach skills—it’s to help athletes believe they can do them. That starts with creating an environment where athletes feel safe to fail and encouraged to keep going. We’re big on progress praise—cheering for the effort and the process, not just the perfect execution. We, also, try to meet athletes where they are mentally. If someone is hesitant, we break things down, take it one step at a time, and celebrate even the smallest breakthroughs. Confidence isn’t built with pressure—it’s built with patience, consistency, and connection.  

Parents, you play a huge role in building your athlete’s confidence. The best thing you can do? Be their safe space. Celebrate their hard work, not just their wins. Listen when they’re frustrated and remind them that it’s okay to have tough days. Avoid comparing them to other athletes—even casually. Every athlete’s path is different, and your support helps them trust their own. Encourage rest, fuel them well, and be their biggest cheerleader both on and off the mat. When home feels supportive, it becomes easier for athletes to be brave everywhere else.

Confidence is quiet. It’s not loud or flashy—it’s in how you carry yourself, how you shake off mistakes, and how you keep showing up. It’s in the smile you give your stunt group before a big routine. It’s in the breath you take before trying a new tumbling pass. Confidence is built, little by little, every time you decide to believe in yourself, even when it’s hard. Whether you’re an athlete working through a mental block, a coach guiding from the sidelines, or a parent cheering from the stands, we all play a part in helping athletes believe in themselves. Progress might be slow at times, but every step forward matters. Keep showing up, keep putting in the work, and trust that confidence will follow.