Ranking Every Post-Loss Explanation By Predictive Value
Not all excuses are created equal. After cataloging 417 post-loss explanations over twelve months, the seven most telling are ranked by predictive value — from the wind to "I just didn't play my game."
Not all excuses are created equal.
Over the past twelve months I have cataloged 417 unique post-loss explanations.
Several demonstrated meaningful predictive value.
Others performed poorly.
#7 The Wind
Rarely responsible.
Frequently cited.
#6 The Paddle
Useful for approximately two weeks after purchase.
Declines rapidly thereafter.
#5 My Partner
Common.
Emotionally satisfying.
Difficult to validate.
#4 I Was Working On Something
An advanced explanation.
Most often deployed by former athletes.
#3 The Sun
Surprisingly resilient.
Difficult to disprove.
#2 My Knee
Consistently effective.
Especially when delivered while descending stairs normally.
#1 I Just Didn’t Play My Game
The gold standard.
Impossible to measure.
Impossible to challenge.
Capable of explaining virtually any result.
Further study is warranted.