{"id":19392,"date":"2024-09-19T16:28:56","date_gmt":"2024-09-19T20:28:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/?p=19392"},"modified":"2025-06-03T06:17:42","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T10:17:42","slug":"how-pro-athletes-deal-with-criticism-in-sports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-pro-athletes-deal-with-criticism-in-sports\/","title":{"rendered":"How Pro Athletes\u00a0Deal with Criticism\u00a0in Sports"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/criticism-in-sports.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19393\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/criticism-in-sports.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/criticism-in-sports-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_you_Handle_Criticism_as_an_Athlete_Well\"><\/span>Do you Handle Criticism as an Athlete Well? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Article Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0769bf;color:#0769bf\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0769bf;color:#0769bf\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-pro-athletes-deal-with-criticism-in-sports\/#Do_you_Handle_Criticism_as_an_Athlete_Well\" >Do you Handle Criticism as an Athlete Well?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-pro-athletes-deal-with-criticism-in-sports\/#You_have_several_options_to_deal_with_negative_criticism\" >You have several options to deal with negative criticism:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-pro-athletes-deal-with-criticism-in-sports\/#Related_Sports_Psychology_Article\" >Related Sports Psychology Article<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-pro-athletes-deal-with-criticism-in-sports\/#The_Focused_Athlete_Digital_Download\" >The Focused Athlete (Digital Download)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>How has negative <strong>criticism<\/strong> affected your athletic confidence in past athletic competitions?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though <strong>criticism<\/strong> can be helpful, it is also hurtful. Negative criticism can cause you to doubt your abilities as an athlete. It can destroy your confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Negative comments from media, parents, teammates, coaches, and fans can sprout negative emotions such as anger and frustration. Athletes are <strong>criticized<\/strong> all the time<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you are playing at a high level, compliments and praise are heaped upon you. However, when you underperform or make costly mistakes, the naysayers and <strong>critics<\/strong> appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are not mentally skilled enough to handle negative <strong>criticism<\/strong>, you may give up altogether on pursuing your goals. Since negative <strong>criticism<\/strong> is unavoidable, you need to learn how to handle it effectively so it doesn\u2019t hurt your confidence, focus, or performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"You_have_several_options_to_deal_with_negative_criticism\"><\/span>You have several options to deal with negative <strong>criticism<\/strong>:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sift out the negative \u2013 When you receive negative criticism, determine if there is any beneficial information and disregard the rest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take out the trash \u2013 If the criticism is unjust or merely insults, ignore it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Think big picture \u2013 Sometimes, you will underperform, and judgmental comments will come your way. Keep your eyes fixed on your ultimate objective.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Though you cannot control the actions of others, you can control how you respond. Focusing on what you can control is the hallmark of great athletes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has received a lot of negative <strong>criticism<\/strong> from fans, sports commentators, and social media despite being in the NFL for less than two seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Young was drafted first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, along with the hype came high expectations. Young finished his rookie season with 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, leading the Panthers to a 2\u201315 record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the Panthers lost their first two games of the 2024 season, a lot of negative <strong>criticism<\/strong> was directed at Young. Though Young acknowledged the heavy <strong>criticism<\/strong>, boos, and pressure, he stated his confidence remains high. Instead of focusing on the negative, Young is focused on the big picture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>YOUNG: &#8220;I understand the frustration [of the fans]. I know this city loves the Panthers. That passion is something I respect, and I share that same fire. We&#8217;re all disappointed, but this is part of the journey.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Young has focused on putting in the work and developing his quarterback skills rather than dwelling on the losses and negative <strong>criticism<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>YOUNG: &#8220;This is part of the process. There&#8217;s no growth without challenges. I&#8217;m committed to this team, and we&#8217;ll get better. We just have to stay the course.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Negative <strong>criticism<\/strong> may hurt, but it doesn\u2019t need to hurt your performance. Dealing with <strong>criticism<\/strong> requires understanding what you can control, maintaining a positive mindset, and tuning out extraneous noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When dealing with negative <strong>criticism<\/strong>, it is important to determine the good from the bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, what information is beneficial, and what comments are trash? This insight will help you stay focused on positive steps you can take to improve your game<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-979ef383-5bc7-43ee-b8f9-249663ca1a6c\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Sports_Psychology_Article\"><\/span>Related Sports Psychology Article<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-this-pro-manages-criticism\/\">How This Pro Manages Criticism<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-turn-negative-criticism-into-motivation\/\">How to Turn Negative Criticism into Motivation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/helping-soccer-players-who-are-self-critical\/\">Helping Soccer Players Who are Self-Critical<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Focused_Athlete_Digital_Download\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/shop.peaksports.com\/products\/the-focused-athlete-digital\" title=\"\">The Focused Athlete (Digital Download)<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/focused-athlete-teams-small.jpg\" alt=\"The Focused Athlete Audio and Workbook Program\" class=\"wp-image-19343\" style=\"width:160px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe Focused Athlete\u201d audio and workbook program helps you or your athletes overcome distractions and sharpen your concentration during competition. You learn how to get locked in during practice and competition so you can improve and perform better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cFirst, I would like to thank you for the help given to me through your programs, \u2018<strong>The Confident Athlete<\/strong>\u2019 and \u2018<strong>The Focused Athlete<\/strong>.\u2019 I have made tremendous sacrifices though all these years to become a top Olympic Trap shooter but something was missing. This missing part was with my mental game. My scores increased tremendously in record time and others said that I was a different shooter.\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>~Marios Kapodistria<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div style=\"text-align:center\" class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-button ab-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/shop.peaksports.com\/products\/the-focused-athlete-digital\" class=\"ab-button ab-button-shape-rounded ab-button-size-medium\" style=\"color:#ffffff;background-color:#3373dc\">Learn More<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you Handle Criticism as an Athlete Well? How has negative criticism affected your athletic confidence in past athletic competitions? Even though criticism can be helpful, it is also hurtful. Negative criticism can cause you to doubt your abilities as an athlete. It can destroy your confidence. Negative comments from media, parents, teammates, coaches, and fans can sprout &#8230; <a title=\"How Pro Athletes\u00a0Deal with Criticism\u00a0in Sports\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-pro-athletes-deal-with-criticism-in-sports\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How Pro Athletes\u00a0Deal with Criticism\u00a0in Sports\">Sport Psychology Article&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19394,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[142],"tags":[806,1127],"class_list":["post-19392","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports-psychology-tips","tag-critism-in-sports","tag-self-criticism-in-sports"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO Pro 4.9.6.2 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Even though criticism can be helpful, it is also hurtful. 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