During which stage of learning a technical skill should the learner avoid overanalyzing the skill?

In the automatic stage of learning a technical skill, the focus is on executing the skill with fluidity and ease, which allows the learner to perform it without conscious thought or excessive analytical evaluation. During this stage, practitioners have typically already established a strong foundational understanding of the skill, and the objective is to refine performance rather than dissecting each component. Overanalyzing at this stage can disrupt the flow of execution and hinder the natural rhythm developed through practice.

Learners in the automatic stage are often engaging in higher-level applications of the skill in varied contexts, so maintaining a balance between execution and self-awareness is crucial. Overthinking can lead to performance anxiety and a breakdown in coordination, which is counterproductive to the goals of this stage. Thus, the automatic stage emphasizes instinctive performance rather than conscious analysis of each movement.