top of page
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
Search

💬 “Hesitation is the worst advisor in youth soccer.”

  • Writer: George Calmoti
    George Calmoti
  • Jun 22
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jun 25

It might sound dramatic, but it’s true — and as parents, we see it more often than we realize.


⚽On the soccer field, things move fast.

Every moment counts.

And when a child hesitates — whether to pass, shoot, or make a run — that split second can be the difference between a great play and a missed opportunity.


🚫But the problem doesn’t start on the field.

It starts way earlier — in everyday life.

In the small choices: what snack to pick, whether to speak up in class, whether to try something new, even how long they take to get dressed in the morning.


🧠 Hesitation is a habit.

And just like any habit, it shows up everywhere — including during the game.

Soccer demands quick thinking, confidence, and instinct.

There’s no time for overthinking out there.


⏳Of course, not everything in life should be rushed.

Some decisions deserve time and thought.

But the game? The game rewards action.


👉For real, practical tips to support your soccer kid — follow this page.


🎯 That’s why it’s so important for kids to have a clear sense of direction — not just in soccer, but in their day-to-day lives.

When they know what they want, and feel good about going after it, they move differently — on and off the field.


👀And here's the part we sometimes forget:

Our kids learn how to make decisions by watching us.

If we’re constantly second-guessing ourselves, overanalyzing every little thing…

…we’re teaching them to do the same.


💪But when we lead with confidence — when we make a decision and own it — they notice.

They start trusting themselves more.

And that trust shows up in how they play.


✅ The more decisive a child becomes in everyday life, the more confident they’ll be on the field.


🏡In the end, hesitation in youth soccer isn’t just a game-time issue — it’s a mindset that starts in everyday life. The more we help our children trust themselves and make clear decisions, the more confident and effective they become on the field. Confidence is built at home, and it shows when the whistle blows.


A young boy in a green soccer jersey stands on a field, holding a ball and scratching his head with a hesitant expression — visually capturing the idea of hesitation in youth soccer.

 
 
 

Comments


If you liked this post, don’t miss out — subscribe and get the latest straight to your inbox!

Join our mailing list

Logo of Calmoti: a meditating monk figure with a soccer ball as a head, symbolizing calm focus and youth soccer philosophy.

Fuel your kids with enthusiasm, not your expectations.

Have a question or want to connect?

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram

© 2025 by George Calmoti. 

bottom of page