Judd Lienhard: 7 Things Sports Parents Need to STOP Doing

The Judd Lienhard Podcast

I’ve spent over 15 years coaching young athletes—and I’ve seen one pattern over and over again: it’s not the kids who ruin their athletic experience... it’s the parents.

In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the 7 biggest mistakes I see sports parents make all the time. From making excuses and criticizing constantly, to living through your kid or thinking you know more than the coaches—these habits are killing your kid’s love for the game.

We all want what’s best for our kids, but sometimes we’re the ones standing in the way.

🎯 Here’s what I cover:

• Why letting your kid fail is a gift
• How excuses destroy accountability
• The damage caused by constant criticism
• Why comparing your kid to others (or yourself) backfires
• What sports are really supposed to teach
• How to tell if your kid actually loves the sport—or just wants to please you
• The truth about coaching
• When support turns into sabotage
• What it really means to raise an athlete who thrives

If you’re a sports parent, this episode is for you.

TRAIN WITH ME - IMPROVE YOUR: MOVEMENT, ATHLETICISM, STRENGTH, & SPEED ACCESS ALL MY FITNESS PROGRAMS FREE FOR 7-DAYS: https://www.juddlienhard.com/

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This episode is brought to you by LMNT.

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The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits.

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