Confidence is one of the most talked about concepts in sports, and one of the most misunderstood.

In this episode of The Inner Scoreboard Podcast, Psychotherapist & Mental Performance Coach Paul Brown explores why so many athletes struggle with confidence, especially under pressure. This conversation goes beyond “think positive” advice and dives into what actually sits underneath confidence; trust.

Paul discusses:

• Why confidence fluctuates;
• The difference between confidence and trust;
• Why athletes tighten up under pressure;
• How overthinking and fear of mistakes impact performance;
• The role of preparation, repetition, and response to adversity;
• Why chasing confidence often makes performance worse;
• How athletes can build something more stable than confidence.

Through real-world observations, practical examples, and performance psychology insights, this episode challenges athletes, parents, and coaches to rethink how confidence is built.

Because confidence isn’t something you switch on.
It’s something that grows when you learn to trust yourself under pressure.

Tryouts can be one of the most stressful experiences in youth sports—but players, parents, and coaches often experience them very differently.

In Part 2 of this tryout series on The Inner Scoreboard Podcast, I sit down with a coach, a player, and a parent from different teams to have an honest conversation about the realities of tryouts. We talk about pressure, confidence, expectations, communication, evaluations, disappointment, and what people on each side of the process often misunderstand about each other.

This episode isn’t about blaming coaches, criticizing parents, or complaining about players. It’s about understanding the human side of tryouts and helping athletes and families navigate the experience in a healthier way.

Whether you’re a player preparing for next season, a parent supporting your child through the process, or a coach making difficult decisions, this conversation offers valuable perspective from all sides of the rink.

Topics include:

• Pressure and anxiety during tryouts;
• What coaches are really evaluating;
• The parent experience during team selection;
• Confidence, identity, and performance;
• Communication and expectations;
• Handling disappointment and adversity;
• What success really looks like beyond making a team.

Follow, rate, and share the podcast if this episode resonates with you.

#PaulBrownCoaching #InnerScoreboard #YouthSports #Hockey #MentalPerformance #SportsPsychology #Tryouts #Confidence #AthleteMindset #SportsParents #Coaching

Tryouts are about far more than hockey.

In Part 1 of this special post-tryout series, Paul Brown shares his firsthand experiences from this Spring’s tryout season, as a coach, evaluator, former VP of Rep, and a psychotherapist working with athletes and performers.

This episode explores the emotional, psychological, and organizational realities of tryouts, including:

• the evaluation process;
• what coaches are actually looking for;
• the impact of open borders;
• players trying out with no intention of staying;
• the ripple effects of declined offers;
• and the human side of decision-making behind closed doors.

Paul also discusses performance pressure, identity, confidence, parent dynamics, and why tryouts often affect far more than roster spots.

Whether you’re a player, parent, coach, or evaluator, this episode offers an honest and thoughtful look inside one of the most emotionally charged experiences in youth sports.

Part 2 of the series will feature a coach, a player, and a parent sharing their perspectives on the tryout process.