Why Athletes Go Missing in Big Moments: 7 Key Reasons and How to Overcome Them

Let’s face it—every athlete dreams of stepping up when it matters most. The big stage, the critical point, the game-winning moment. But sometimes, despite all the preparation, you just don’t show up. Not physically—you’re there, but mentally, emotionally, even spiritually… you’re not.

If you’ve ever been in this situation, you know the sting. Self-doubt creeps in, and the questions swirl: “Why couldn’t I deliver when it counted?” Trust me, I’ve been there too.

But here’s the truth: You’re not alone. And you’re certainly not broken. There are seven common reasons athletes go missing in big moments. The good news? Each one can be addressed, worked through, and overcome.

1. Overthinking the Moment

Imagine it’s the final seconds of the game. The score is tied. You’re dribbling down the court, or you’ve got the ball at your feet for that game-winning penalty. Everything feels like it’s in slow motion, but your mind is racing. You start thinking, "Should I pass? Is this the right play? What if I mess up?"

You’ve trained for this moment. You’ve practiced these shots, these moves a thousand times. But in this critical moment, you’re paralysed by doubt. Instead of trusting your instincts and playing from the muscle memory you’ve built, you start second-guessing every decision.

How to Overcome It:
This is where you need to quiet the noise. Picture yourself in the moment again. Take a deep breath and pause. Visualise what success looks like. You’ve already done the hard work. Now, it's about trusting yourself. Tools like visualisation, mindfulness, and pre-performance rituals can help you stay focused and present. The moment doesn’t need to be overwhelming. It’s just another play, just another chance to shine. Trust your preparation and let your instincts take over.

2. Fear of Failure

It’s a high-stakes match, and the pressure is on. You know that if you miss this shot, your teammates will be disappointed. Your coach’s face will fall. You can almost hear the echoes of your family's hopes for you. The fear of letting everyone down is overwhelming, and it feels like it’s weighing you down, making your muscles heavy.

You’ve been there before—when the stakes were high, and you felt like you were carrying the weight of everyone’s expectations on your shoulders. That pressure makes it harder to perform. You hesitate, and in those precious seconds, the moment slips away.

How to Overcome It:
Redefine success. In that moment, remember that failure is part of the journey. You’re not defined by one shot, one game, or one decision. Focus on the process, not the outcome. When you shift your mindset to what you can control—your effort, your actions, and your attitude—you free yourself from the fear of failing. Remind yourself that your value isn't tied to one moment. Keep breathing and stay focused on giving your best, not being perfect.

3. Lack of Mental Clarity

You’re in the middle of a fast-paced game. The clock’s ticking down, the crowd’s roaring, and everything feels like it’s moving too fast. You’re on defense, but for some reason, you can’t seem to focus on what’s happening. Is your teammate in position? Where’s the ball? Everything feels blurry, and the pressure is clouding your judgment.

Your thoughts are all over the place, and you can’t seem to make a solid decision. You're physically there, but mentally, you're somewhere else. It's like you're stuck in a fog.

How to Overcome It:
In these high-pressure moments, clarity can be your superpower. Visualise yourself in that moment again, but this time, your mind is clear. You can see everything with crystal clarity. Build mental fitness through practices like journaling, meditation, or deep breathing. These exercises will help you strengthen your mental clarity so that when the pressure is on, your mind will stay sharp. When you’re clear, you can make the right decisions in those crucial moments.

4. Inadequate Preparation for Stress

You’ve trained your body relentlessly. Your footwork is flawless. You’ve got the perfect game plan. But when it’s game time, it’s not just your physical skills that need to be in top form. It’s your mental game. The pressure of the big moment feels overwhelming, and it’s like the walls are closing in on you. You freeze. You hesitate.

Maybe you’ve seen a teammate, a leader, or yourself struggle in this way—everything seems to go wrong, not because of a lack of skill, but because the stress of the situation isn’t something you’ve trained for.

How to Overcome It:
Mental conditioning is just as important as physical conditioning. Programs like MindLab can help you build resilience and prepare for stress when it’s on. With regular practice, you can learn to handle the pressure with poise, calm, and confidence. Visualise yourself in the heat of the moment, not crumbling under the stress, but thriving in it.

5. Negative Self-Talk

You’ve been in this situation before, right? The game is tight, and you’re already feeling the weight of your past mistakes. Maybe you missed an easy shot earlier, or you lost track of a key player. Your inner voice starts telling you, “You’re not good enough,” “You’ll never make this,” “This is too much for you.”

These thoughts start to drown out the cheers, the strategy, and even your own natural rhythm. All you can hear is that negative voice, making you question yourself.

How to Overcome It:
Reframe the narrative. In that moment, stop the negative self-talk in its tracks. Picture yourself as your own biggest cheerleader (we call this the “inner fan”, reminding yourself of everything you’ve accomplished. Replace thoughts of doubt with affirmations like, “I’ve prepared for this,” “I can handle this,” “I trust myself.” Your inner voice should uplift you, not drag you down. When you change the narrative, you change the game.

6. Unrealistic Expectations

You’re stepping up to the plate in the final inning, and there’s a lot on the line. The crowd’s on their feet. The stakes have never been higher. You know what’s expected of you: perfection. Anything less feels like failure. You take the first swing and miss, then the second, and you’re already beating yourself up. The pressure of perfectionism paralyses you.

It’s not just about getting the hit. It’s about meeting every expectation that’s been placed on you, and it feels impossible to live up to. The fear of making another mistake keeps you frozen in place.

How to Overcome It:
Embrace imperfection. Perfection is a trap. It’s a moving target that can only hold you back. Instead, focus on progress and give yourself permission to make mistakes. Even the greatest athletes miss big moments. They don’t let it define them. They learn from it and move forward. Take a breath, reset, and continue to push yourself to be your best—not perfect, just present.

7. Disconnection from Purpose

You’ve been on the field for what feels like an eternity, and something has shifted. You’re still playing, still running, but your heart isn’t in it. Maybe you’ve lost sight of your “why”—the reason you started this journey in the first place. You’re just going through the motions now.

It’s easy to feel disconnected from your purpose when the grind of competition and the pressure of performance take centre stage. Without purpose, everything starts to feel hollow. You’re going through the motions, but you’re not truly there.

How to Overcome It:
Reconnect with your “why.” Take a moment to remember why you’re doing this. What’s the bigger picture for you? Is it the love of the game, your team, or your desire to inspire others? When you re-align with your purpose, you ignite a new energy. Picture yourself on the field again, not just playing for the win, but for something greater than yourself. Purpose will fuel you, especially when the pressure is on.

Missing in big moments doesn’t define you.

Missing in big moments doesn’t define you. It’s simply a signal—a wake-up call that something deeper needs attention. The good news? Every one of these challenges has a solution.

Imagine the next time you're in a high-pressure situation, showing up fully—mentally sharp, emotionally steady, and physically ready. Imagine performing at your peak when it matters most. That’s possible for you, and with the right tools and mindset, it can be your reality.

At Hypa, we help athletes like you break through these barriers. Whether through MindLab, where you can train your mind for high-pressure moments, or 1:1 coaching, where we dive deep into purpose and performance, we’re here to support you on your journey to unlocking your full potential.

At Hypa, we help athletes like you break through these barriers and step into your full potential. Whether it’s through MindLab, where you can train your mind to thrive under high-pressure moments, or 1:1 coaching, where we dive deep into purpose and performance, our goal is to support you every step of the way. Ready to explore what’s next? Book a free 45-minute Insight Session with a Hypa coach and let’s uncover the best path forward for your journey.

If you're ready to show up fully—every time—let’s get to work. The best moments of your career are waiting.