See with fresh eyes. As a craftsman (coach or player), see through the eyes of a fan. As a fan, learn some of the craft...how players achieve excellence (see below).
Day to day, both sets of vision serve us. Watch an athlete show her skills, yet question selfishness, undisciplined play, poor footwork, indifferent defense. Or see high skill and fantasize about adding more athleticism, vision, and strength.
Communicating our vision challenges us, because we report through the window of craft, the lens of entertainment, or prisms of self-interest or parental love. Is the announcer's job to cheerlead or describe the action? Does the coach share her true feelings about the team or strategically lower expectations to solidify her job? One coach raises the bar and another lowers it.
Study a high school contest. What's the intent, the style of play, the freedom, discipline, the relative skill, athleticism, size, toughness, and resilience between the teams? How does each team operate, seek to wear down the opponent? Coaches see a different game than most fans or parents.
Watching my teams, I'm frustrated when we play without a plan or purpose, playing "Rec Ball." It's one thing to "burn the boats" as part of a master strategy. Burning them through carelessness, neglect, or inattention is another.
Which philosophy aligns with yours?
Lagniappe: Dr. James Gels shares SLOBs. What's the "process" behind the play?
- Make good decisions, passes.
- Know the situation, score, and time.
- Get the receiver open.
- Will the receiver be a shooter, driver, facilitator, or even a screener?
- Match the skills required to personnel.
