During which stage of teaching do athletes begin to trust their instincts in learning?

During the stage labeled "Confidence and Anticipation," athletes begin to trust their instincts as they gain a deeper understanding of their skills and the context of the sport. In this stage, athletes are typically more comfortable with the techniques they have learned. They develop the confidence to interpret situations quickly and make decisions based on their instincts rather than merely relying on explicit instruction or practice. This is crucial for performance because it allows athletes to respond to dynamic game situations more naturally and effectively.

The progression into trusting instincts aligns with an athlete’s increased anticipation of action, as they start to predict and react to events without overthinking. This combination of confidence and the ability to anticipate plays or movements is foundational for higher-level competitive performance, where split-second decisions are often necessary. Thus, "Confidence and Anticipation" is recognized as the stage where athletes transition from learned behaviors to instinctual actions.