Process Over Outcome: A Simple Mindset Shift That Can Improve Confidence in Walking Football
- Jul 6
- 2 min read
Holly Rye, Sport and Exercise Psychologist in Training (SEPiT), gives us the low down on how a switch in focus from outcome to process can improve performance.
One of the biggest takeaways from delivering workshops and one-to-one sessions with clients is the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome.
It sounds simple, but it can completely change how we perform under pressure.
In football, it is very easy to become outcome-focused. Thoughts such as “I have to score”, “What if I let the team down?”, “We need to win this game”, or “I need to save this penalty” can quickly increase pressure.
When our focus becomes fully attached to the result, we can become tense, hesitant and start overthinking situations that would normally feel natural.
This happens because the outcome is not fully within our control.
There are always factors we cannot control in walking football, such as the opposition, referees, weather, teammates’ mistakes or simply luck.
Process focus is different.
It means locking in and focusing on the things we can control, such as our positioning, communication, movement, technique, decision-making, effort, breathing and reactions after mistakes.
Research in sport psychology has consistently shown that athletes perform better under pressure when they focus on controllable processes rather than outcomes.
A great example is when a player is through on goal.
If the thought is “don’t miss”, pressure can increase immediately. But if the focus shifts to “stay composed”, “pick your spot”, “good technique” and “stay present”, the brain and body can become calmer because attention moves back towards the action rather than the consequence.
This does not guarantee success every time, but it does give players the best possible chance to perform well.
One of the most important things to remember is that mistakes are part of football. Confidence is not built by never making mistakes. It is built by continuing to stay involved, responding positively and focusing on the next action.
For many walking football players, especially those returning to football later in life, shifting away from perfection and towards process can bring more enjoyment, freedom and confidence back into the game.
If this is something you feel you struggle with and would like support with, please feel free to get in touch. You can view the services I provide on my website or contact me by email.
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