The author describes two school of thoughts on how athletes should perform: the first encourage conscious thinking about their action, while a second encourages the unconscious, flow-like practice. I think the answer lies in between.
One way to look at the problem is through Kahneman's system 1 and system 2 dualism: Some tasks are better done with system 1; the fast, instinctive, unconscious mode of thinking. An example would be optimizing your oxygen consumption while running or hitting a topspin forehand in Tennis. Other tasks, like planning your running strategy are better done by System 2, the slower, deliberative mode of thinking. The trick for performing is to use the right system for the right problem.
Personally, I experience this in two very different fields: Tennis and coding. In tennis, whenever I start thinking two much about my strokes, trying to consciously change them, the strokes' quality deteriorate. Similarly, whenever I play a match and lose myself in the zone while forgetting to consciously think about my strategy, about the deficits of my partner and myself, I start losing. Switching back and forth between these two modes is where I reach my potential. The same applies in coding. To work best, I need both the flow, but with pauses here and there to consciously think about the big picture.
One way to look at the problem is through Kahneman's system 1 and system 2 dualism: Some tasks are better done with system 1; the fast, instinctive, unconscious mode of thinking. An example would be optimizing your oxygen consumption while running or hitting a topspin forehand in Tennis. Other tasks, like planning your running strategy are better done by System 2, the slower, deliberative mode of thinking. The trick for performing is to use the right system for the right problem.
Personally, I experience this in two very different fields: Tennis and coding. In tennis, whenever I start thinking two much about my strokes, trying to consciously change them, the strokes' quality deteriorate. Similarly, whenever I play a match and lose myself in the zone while forgetting to consciously think about my strategy, about the deficits of my partner and myself, I start losing. Switching back and forth between these two modes is where I reach my potential. The same applies in coding. To work best, I need both the flow, but with pauses here and there to consciously think about the big picture.