Affecting mental performance in sports, learned helplessness is an essential and common phenomenon among young players in many competitions. The purpose of this study is to create and test the validity and reliability of Learned Helplessness Scale (LHS) to evaluate aspects of helplessness on young basketball players. The study is a descriptive-correlational design including factor analysis, reliability test, and inferential group statistics to allow for validity and reliability of the scale used. The study sample consisted of 106 athletes (16-years-old and younger) through structured survey administration. Exploratory factor analysis supported a three-factor model consisting of Learned Hopelessness (Pessimism), Learned Laziness (Low-Effort) and Learned Avoidance (Withdrawal from Challenges), with the scale exhibiting strong reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.89) and excellent test-retest stability (r = 0.91). The findings suggest that novice players score higher on helplessness than intermediates and advanced athletes. It appears that it is the level of sporting experience that buffers it. Notably, r = -0.78 indicated a strong negative correlation, indicating that effective systemic coaching interventions and motivational methods were successful at ameliorating the associated effects of learned helplessness. The study provides a scientifically sound measure of sports-related learned helplessness, and offers practical guidance to coaches, trainers, and sports psychologists for developing effective mental conditioning programs that enhance athlete performance.