WHO'S WORLD OF FANTASY WILL YOU DIVE INTO NEXT?

A question from the coach’s corner:

Generally (and in life), if someone’s wrong technique in something works for them in the end, does it make it right?

Specifically (an example): if by throwing the ball like a shotput in basketball during a set shot helps you score more goals, does it make it okay?

Here are my thoughts on the posed question based on the experience I have had so far as a coach and instructor:

I suppose the saying “it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks” does come into play. Generally speaking, if someone has been doing something in a particular way because it worked for them, it is nigh near impossible to have them adapt to something else. And the older they are, the lesser the chances of change. If anything, you would be just pissing them off, especially if you’re younger or newer to the field. And this could be after you have shown that your method (right way of doing it) works too!

Linking this to coaching and sports, I think the best thing to do is to let it slide, especially if:

1. They are older, or have done the activity for a relatively long time.

2. They have not asked for your opinion (even though you can tell they could benefit from it).

3. You do not have a previous, let alone coach-athlete rapport. You would basically be an irritation.

That said, I think, then, that the importance of a good foundation and the role played by the foundation builders/setters comes into stark contrast. Good, fun, enjoyable sports is founded on basic skills (which also reduce injuries!), and if this step is ignored, we get to the scenario where ‘whatever makes it work goes’.

So I suppose what I am saying is:

1. It might be best to mind your own business under certain circumstances.

2. Focus on inculcating the basic skills to players while they are still young. It will go a looooooong way. And,

3. Whether as a parent, teacher, or coach who works with children, there’s no shame in working with youngsters. In fact, how you develop them at that age is what could determine how much they enjoy sports and physical exercise…and whether they admit it or not, they’ll always be grateful to you more than anyone else. 🙂

For real, though, basics are important!

(This is a fully opined article, so feel free to agree or disagree in the comments below).