The Missing Banister Theory & Football Success
Theres a psychological concept called the Missing Banister Theory. Imagine walking down a staircase you’ve used a thousand times, but one day, a banister is missing. Suddenly, something that once felt easy becomes uncomfortable. You hesitate, overthink each step, and lose confidence. This applies to football. Many players rely on bad excuses, comfort zones, or even external validation. Maybe its blaming the coach, poor conditions, or teammates for a bad performance. But what happens when those crutches disappear? Are you still confident in your ability, or do you stumble? The best players are those who make it without relying on banisters. They adapt, take ownership, and keep moving forward no matter what. If the ref makes a bad call, the pitch is poor, or youre benched, do you crumble, or do you control what you can? Success in football (and life) comes from training yourself to be banister-proof. Confidence built on preparation, discipline, and self-belief not external factors.