There’s an article you should read. It’s an interesting discussion of how much coaches seem to appreciate creativity in their players, yet how they do so much to limit it. The article is aimed at business managers, but speaks from a sports perspective. Here’s a quote that hits the main point:
Here is sport’s problem with creativity: professional systems crave control, but creativity relies on escaping control.
This doesn’t just apply to professional environments. It happens anywhere coaches look to constrain player freedom. I’m not talking about creating a dictatorial state here, mind you. Some coaches certainly act in that fashion, but that’s not really where I’m going. Think, instead, about coaches teaching specific techniques. Think about coaches employing very structured systems of play.
I doubt most coaches in those latter categories think of themselves as constraining their players. My guess is they think they will simply be the most effective ways to go. What they are doing, though, is providing solutions to players. They aren’t letting the players find their own solutions. The latter is where creativity comes in.
This is why it’s great to just let your players play at times. They might surprise you with the solutions they develop.
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One Response
In competitive sports, it’s critical for players to solve problems presented by their opponents. Team is a factor because collaboration aids problem solving. So too does creativity in identifying solutions.