Why Talented Players Shut Down Under Pressure

Pressure doesn’t just affect confidence, it affects the nervous system.

Fight, Flight, or Freeze (Simplified)

Under stress, the body prepares to survive:

  • Fight: frustration, aggression

  • Flight: avoidance, hiding

  • Freeze: hesitation, shutdown

This is biology… not weakness.

Why Awareness Matters

When players understand what’s happening internally:

  • Fear loses power

  • Control returns

  • Confidence rebuilds

Final Thought

Calm is a skill, and it can be trained! Train with PhiloSoccer coaches today.

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Mistakes Are Information: Reframing Failure in Player Development