'...good coaching does not take away autonomy. If you doubt this, then ask yourself “Why does the average teenage boy play 17 hours of video games a week?” A big part of that why is there is no one standing over his shoulder critiquing every move, and demanding that he entertain them. Would it be helpful to have your boss stand over your shoulder and critique everything you do at work? No? Then why do we think it helps our young athletes?'
John O'Sullivan writing about why kids quit sport.
This ties in with my philosophy of coaching too. I believe cricketers of all ages, abilities and skill levels need to work things out for themselves for three reasons:
- It's the best way to learn something (it takes longer, but sticks firmer) .
- It develops a growth mindset (you learn you can do it for yourself) .
- It's way more enjoyable (play at something, think it through and solve it yourself).
The computer game analogy is a good one. I enjoy the occasional foray into the space combat game Elite: Dangerous. I get the most satisfaction from playing when I am challenged enough to have to work something out. I get the least satisfaction from doing something well within my skill level that is easy. If someone was to stand over me and tell me every move, I would not be engaged with the game and I would play it less. I my mind, cricket is the same, just "in real life".