Deep in the fourth quarter of countless Ravens games, with a narrow lead and the clock winding down, the defense would shift into a “prevent defense.” They’d drop back, give up short completions, and focus entirely on not allowing the big play. Each time this pattern repeated itself, my dad would turn to me and say, “Stephen, do you know the only thing the prevent defense does?”
And I’d reply, “Prevent us from winning.”
That line resonated with me — not just because it led to so many crushing Ravens losses, but because it also rings true off the gridiron.
The human brain possesses its own instinctive prevent defense. It is called the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS), and it functions as the brain’s brake pedal fueled by “Don’ts”, “Can’ts,” and negative “what-ifing”. When the brain detects a threat and the BIS takes over, overthinking, hesitancy, indecisiveness, and anxiety abound. This prevention mindset naturally seeks safety and is rooted in protection, defensiveness, and avoidance. This mode of thinking/acting feels like the “safe play,” but often creates more danger than it prevents because striking out looking is typically way worse than going down swinging.
Luckily, we also have what is called the Behavioral Activation System (BAS). This is the “play to win” mode and is the brain’s gas pedal. The BAS is all about pursuit not avoidance, creativity not constriction, vulnerability not protection. It is not intentional recklessness; it is actual trust. The BAS leads to a sense of freedom, confidence, resilience, and joy.
On the course, court, field, and rink, many athletes unknowingly operate from the BIS and play their own version of the prevent defense, with their foot firmly on the brake pedal, trying not to lose or embarrass themselves. In an attempt to protect a lead (or their ego), they sacrifice so much.
Therefore, next time you find yourself focusing on the Don’ts, Can’ts, or negative What Ifs spilling from your brain or feel extreme tension in your body, remind yourself that you are simply in the BIS. With awareness and intention, you can take your foot off of the brake, change lanes, and step on that gas pedal, your BAS. One option is to imagine the BIS track in your mind as neon red. Then imagine your car (i.e., your attention and intention) notices a fork in the road and hops onto the neon green, BAS, track.
My dad was right — the prevent defense doesn’t just prevent points, it prevents progress. The same is true for the mind. Play “not to lose” and you tighten up. Play to win, and you open up and embrace your potential to succeed. The choice — between inhibition and activation — often determines not just the outcome, but the experience.