Our insights when the story breaks.

When a World Cup match comes down to a penalty kick, the ball is not the heaviest thing on the field. The weight of a nation, the moment, and the fear of letting people down can turn a routine shot into something that overwhelms even the best players. USA Today asked me to explain what is happening in those seconds before the kick, and why so many talented athletes miss when it matters most.

What I shared is what I have seen across every sport I have worked in. The miss is rarely about technique. It is about the mind racing ahead to the consequences, the body tightening under pressure, and the athlete losing the present moment. Penalty kicks are a perfect storm of isolation, expectation, and consequence, and that is exactly why they reveal so much about mental performance.

The encouraging part is that this is not a fixed trait. Players can train the mental skills to stay present, manage the noise, and trust their preparation when the stadium goes quiet. With the right approach, the same moment that breaks some athletes can become the one that defines others.