Speaking from my personal experiences, no amount of pressure could ever compare to the pressure I put on myself to perform at a high level.

However, every situation is different and depending on the level of competition we are talking about comes different pressures. Each of the outside forces such as parents, coaches, fans, etc. plays a role in how the athlete deals with the pressures at hand.

At the HS stage, your parents and coaches have the most influence over it. Although there are overbearing parents out there that may push their children to far, there are just as many parents who don't push their kids far enough, and even more parents that support them in whatever they do. We just don't hear about the parents who are doing the right things in supporting their kids.

The fans don't really factor into the mix until the professional level. All in all though I think the majority of athletes would feel that they put the most pressure on themselves to succeed.

HappyCamper: How many caucasian basketball players can you name? I can name one...larry bird. What about baseball's Kirby Puckett, and Andre Dawson? there are LOTS of Af-Am sports stars. you only picked the Brewers! Besides, not all Af-Am's are poor! Your thinking is stuck in the 40's.

It's become aparent you need money to have your kid become a pro. Look at the Brewers, how many African Americans? 2. Not because their aren't talented African American youth just not rich enough parents to pay for traveling teams, 1 on 1 coaching and such. So if you have no money now to buy a slot for your kid on a team you better not bank on them paying for your retirement.

When I read tinker's comment, I never thought I would ever laugh so hard again. Then I read NVgrf's comment. What's next?!

tinker i really hope you aren't serious.....

Parents they tend to think that their kid is the next Lebron James or Tiger Woods.

I resemble that remark!

I have to put pressure on my kids because I'm banking my retirement on them going pro. Its the idiot coaches and refs holding them back.

I think initally it can be the athlete wanting to do well...but parents, coaches, and fans eventually all come into the mix as well.

My daughter is 11 and plays softball and volleyball, while I tell her its not whether you win or lose but how you play the game that's not good enough for her..she wants to win.

from very young thru High school,,,it is the parents,,,,from college thru the Pros.. it is the fans,,, none of which can do as well as the athletes themselves,,