The Game of Expectation

“I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.”

Albert Einstein

I like this quote and think it offers some food for thought for us as coaches. Many readers will have gathered by now that I am very much an advocate of this idea of creating conditions for learning to unfold. I see the value in players taking charge of their own development and exploring the possibilities of the game under their own steam.

In this feature I continue, and hopefully add to the suggestion that we are products of the environment we grow up in.

The idea that 'a well designed game is often the best teacher' continues to gain quite a bit of momentum across the coaching world, and in my opinion rightly so. However, I do think that some coaches are at risk of misinterpreting the message. In some quarters coaches see it as a case of chuck the ball in and let them go whilst taking the opportunity to disengage, chat with other coaches or daydream about something not connected to the session, the kids or the sport.

Sure, kids making their own decisions, playing with freedom and developing through experiential learning can be hugely beneficial, however we must not overlook the role of well skilled coaches in enhancing these experiences.

The key part is to continue playing an active role, even if you’re not saying anything. Closely observing, listening intently, praising, challenging and supporting players on an individual level all have the potential to add value. This is something I continue to challenge myself to do better.

It came to me the other day that what the best coaches seem to do consistently well is appropriately stretch the players. They don't coach players to ‘just get by’. They are really good at ‘ramping up’ the level of challenge so to eek out a little more every time they come into contact with players.

The skill of their work lies in their ability to ‘raise the bar’ and demand more in a supportive style. They are not overly demanding or threatening and they do not jump on the players backs when expectations are not met. They are simply brilliant at building belief in their players that they can push themselves a little more. 

It’s no different to a parent encouraging their child to climb one branch higher when they think they’ve reached their maximal point. They’re subtly saying “you can do it” and “I’m here if you need me”.

I’d call it playing The Game of Expectation, where the coach offers subtle hints that they fully believe in their players ability and begin to build the mindset that more is possible. 

I think this is really important in modern day society where 'doing the bare minimum' and 'just getting by' is becoming more freely accepted. Do we really want to develop a generation that avoid stretch and challenge because ‘just doing enough’ has become the norm? 

I truly believe that if more coaches were to enter into The Game of Expectation with their players we'd see effort levels rocket, creative capacities grow and we'd encounter more highly motivated and resilient young people.

As a coach I’m going to challenge myself to really think about how I stretch the players through the expectations I set. In particular I wish to consider in more detail the types of words that could be used to raise expectation, the type(s) of relationship required for these challenges to be well received and to be clearer on the tell tale signs that shout “I’m ready for a challenge”.