Signs & Strategies to Prevent Burnout in Your Athlete
Participation in sports can be a huge source of physical and mental benefits for young athletes, but it can also be the origin of stress, anxiety and pressure that can lead to burnout. How do we recognize the signs of burnout in athletes and develop strategies to manage the burnout response?
Let’s examine the red flags that an athlete may be experiencing burnout, how to help them manage these feelings and how to prevent this phenomenon before it becomes a problem.
What is Athlete Burnout?
The actual textbook definition of athlete burnout from Weinberg & Gould’s Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology is “A psychophysiological response due to frequent but generally ineffective efforts to meet excessive demands, involving a psychological, emotional, and sometimes physical withdrawal from an activity in response to excessive stress or dissatisfaction.”
In layman’s terms, sports burnout is when an athlete experiences physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion due to stress and pressure, leading to a loss of enjoyment in a sport once loved. What was once done with passion, whether it is training or practicing, is now done as a chore.
Red Flags of Athlete Burnout
As coaches, athletic trainers, nutritionists, or physical therapists, we must recognize the warning signs of burnout in young people so we can prevent it from negatively impacting athletes. Indicators of burnout may include physical signs, emotional shifts, and/or psychological issues that manifest in various ways. Here is a quick breakdown of signs to watch for in young athletes. (Source: National Athletic Trainers’ Association – Burnout Considerations in Athletes)
Physical Symptoms
- Constant exhaustion or feelings of tiredness
- Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
- Higher than normal blood pressure and resting heart rate
- Immune responses, such as constantly getting a cold
- Chronic pain or injuries even after rest
Psychological Signs
- Mood swings
- Outbursts
- Desire to quit
- Loss of motivation and self-esteem
- High anxiety
- Signs of depression
Behavioral Changes
- Avoidance – missing practices or games
- Social withdrawal
- Difficulty concentrating at school or on the field
- Changes in appetite
Strategies for Managing Athlete Burnout
In a June 2025 article from Kent State University titled “From Burnout to Breakthrough: Strategies for Managing Athlete Anxiety and Burnout,” the authors recommended several proactive measures to help prevent this phenomenon and help young athletes balance their lives, from sports and school to friendships and family relationships.
Stress Management & Mental Training Strategies
Some helpful strategies for combating burnout include team training in stress management, where athletes learn to manage stress by changing negative thought patterns, using positive self-talk, and adopting time management strategies.
Athletic support staff can also help prevent burnout by training teams in mindfulness, visualization, goal-setting, and relaxation techniques. Mentally rehearsing performances, breathing exercises, and meditation have all been shown to reduce stress and anxiety that can lead to burnout.
Emotional Support and Counseling
The ability to talk openly about feelings and stressors can enable athletes to understand their feelings and thoughts better. Counseling is a great place to address feelings of inadequacy and frustration and determine if moving forward with the intensity of athletics is a good mental health choice or if there are strategies that will help improve the experiences.
By understanding the definition of athlete burnout, recognizing the physical, psychological, and behavioral red flags, and actively implementing strategies like stress management, mental training, and emotional support, coaches, parents, and support staff can make a significant difference in an athlete’s well-being.
Preventing burnout is a proactive process that requires open communication and a holistic approach to the young person. Prioritizing the mental and emotional health of your athletes alongside their physical training is essential for fostering a positive, sustainable, and enjoyable club sports experience, ensuring they continue to thrive in the sport they love.
