Finding “Just Right”: Optimizing Challenge and Support in Sport Coaching to Foster Both Growth and Well-Being: Perspectives and Guidelines for Sport Psychology Practitioners

With increased societal attention on mental health and safeguarding, coaches face growing pressures to foster resilience while maintaining performance standards. Against this, psychologist advice, support, and proactivity can play a crucial role. Accordingly, we clarify key psychological constructs—such as psychological safety, challenge, post-traumatic growth, and feedback—highlighting potential misapplications in performance settings. Through synthesis of theoretical insights and sport-specific examples, we outline how psychologists can empower coaches with strategies grounded in emotional intelligence, cognitive flexibility, and psychological literacy. Guidelines and frameworks are presented to help practitioners guide coaches in optimizing challenge levels, fostering athlete well-being, and enhancing long-term development.