Eli5: When a person misses a good chance in sport, it’s common to see them (and the crowd/viewers) grip the top of their head with both hands. Is there a reason for that?

Question

Eli5: When a person misses a good chance in sport, it’s common to see them (and the crowd/viewers) grip the top of their head with both hands. Is there a reason for that?

In: Biology

Answer 1

This motion is simply a sub-conscious gesture of shock/ disappointment. Interactions and the repetition of this motion after such a moment over the years has made it sub-conscious for a larger audience.