OVERTHINKING

OVERTHINKING DEFINITION: Thinking so deep on a matter that it stifles or precludes the flow of prudent action. Often, overthinking can be a sign of overcoaching, which could stem from a player, parent, or coach. Consequently or due to other factors, the overthinking soccer player may play in fear. This could be the fear of making the wrong decisions or the fear of verbal reprisal from players, parents, or coaches. Often, when it comes to overcoaching, overthinking players endure joystick coaching, which transitions a player’s game and the player’s cognitive development to dependence on the coach’s direction input upon a situation.

How does the definition of Overthinking apply to the game of soccer? Simple. As a player and as a team, overthinking stifles the flow of the game, the speed of play, and perhaps one of the most crucial aspects of player development, cognitive development.

Symptoms of Overthinking

Overthinking, as a consequence of overcoaching, creates mistrust, fear, and develops a lacks of confidence in players and among teammates. A classic sign of an overthinking player is a player who frequently second-guesses sound decisions on the field. This may include stuttering in the pattern of thought and subsequent action. A player who sees, understands, and often plays the prudent play can often stop short of taking that action, when overthinking. Sometimes, this overthinking player may instead take a more difficult action.

Solutions to Player Overthinking

What are some simple solutions to overthinking of a player? Let the player think through the play. Let the player play. Reduce constant and repetitive feedback directed at the player. Frequently encourage the correction or sound actions. Less frequently, correct the prioritized incorrect action. Allow the player to develop a cognitive flow to the player’s game. Allow the player work through problem solving situations within the game and develop a sound decision making process of his or her own. By enabling the development of competence, confidence can result.

Overthinking the Game of Soccer

Often, overthinking can be a sign of overcoaching, which could stem from a player, parent, or coach. Consequently or due to other factors, the overthinking soccer player may play in fear. This could be the fear of making the wrong decisions or the fear of verbal reprisal from players, parents, or coaches. Often, when it comes to overcoaching, overthinking players endure joystick coaching, which transitions a player’s game and the player’s cognitive development to dependence on the coach’s direction input upon a situation.

How does the definition of Overthinking apply to the game of soccer? Simple. As a player and as a team, overthinking stifles the flow of the game, the speed of play, and perhaps one of the most crucial aspects of player development, cognitive development.

Symptoms of Overthinking

Overthinking, as a consequence of overcoaching, creates mistrust, fear, and develops a lacks of confidence in players and among teammates. A classic sign of an overthinking player is a player who frequently second-guesses sound decisions on the field. This may include stuttering in the pattern of thought and subsequent action. A player who sees, understands, and often plays the prudent play can often stop short of taking that action, when overthinking. Sometimes, this overthinking player may instead take a more difficult action.

Solutions to Player Overthinking

What are some simple solutions to overthinking of a player? Let the player think through the play. Let the player play. Reduce constant and repetitive feedback directed at the player. Frequently encourage the correction or sound actions. Less frequently, correct the prioritized incorrect action. Allow the player to develop a cognitive flow to the player’s game. Allow the player work through problem solving situations within the game and develop a sound decision making process of his or her own. By enabling the development of competence, confidence can result.