Why Some Athletes Look Great in Practice but Struggle on Game Day - Cedar Park Athlete Training
- Ben Lustig
- Nov 16, 2025
- 2 min read
Parents tell us all the time: “My kid looks amazing at practice… but a totally different athlete in games.” It’s frustrating—but it’s also extremely common.
And it usually comes down to three things that have nothing to do with talent or effort.
Practice Doesn’t Create the Same Stress as Games
Practice is controlled. The environment is familiar. Mistakes don’t matter. Game day adds pressure—crowds, speed, expectations—and that pressure exposes whether an athlete can keep their mechanics together.
Most athletes don’t shut down because of nerves.
They shut down because their body isn’t prepared for the stress of real competition.
Game Speed Is Faster—And It Shows Who’s Actually Strong Enough
An athlete might look fast and coordinated in drills, but when the game speeds up, only physically strong athletes can maintain technique.
If their body isn’t strong enough to handle contact, fatigue, or fast changes of direction, their skills fall apart even if they “know what to do.”
This isn’t a skill issue—it’s a strength and readiness issue.
Game Confidence Comes From Physical Ability
A lot of athletes are confident in practice but hesitate in games. In practice, everything feels safe.
In games, confidence comes from knowing your body can keep up.
Strength gives athletes a sense of control—they move faster, react quicker, and make decisions without second-guessing.
When athletes feel strong, they play strong.
What Parents Should Take Away
If your athlete shines in practice but struggles in games, it’s usually because they’re not physically prepared for game stress, speed, and intensity yet.
More lessons won’t fix it. More reps won’t fix it.
But building strength will.
Stronger athletes:
hold their mechanics under pressure
stay confident in games
make fewer mistakes
look like the same athlete in practice and competition
Strength connects the dots between knowing how to play and being able to perform when it matters.
Cedar Park/Leander Parents: Our Training Will Make Your Child a Better Athlete - Guaranteed.
At Barbell Coalition, we specialize in providing training that brings Cedar Park & Leander athletes to the next level. If we don't make your child a better athlete in 12 weeks, they train 100% free.
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