Written by Athletes need opportunities to learn and be creative. A strict coach that does not want athletes to deviate from extremely focused technique or practice plans does not allow athletes to be creative and learn. If an athlete does not have an opportunity to try new things, or take risks, how will the athlete or team truly get better?
Trying something new exposes an athlete to a new way of doing something, whether it is a different running technique, breathing control, way to throw the ball, or trying a new defensive posture. Trying new things, or taking risks, will result in an athlete deciding if the risk was worth trying and seeing if the athlete wants to add this new learned skill to their arsenal. Taking risks leads an athlete to learn, grow, improve, and reach goals. If an athlete is continuously learning, they become more self-confident, better understand what makes them faster, stronger, or more competitive, and helps them articulate goals and a direction.
This is true for even failed risk. Athletes learn from these learning opportunities what they may not like, tolerate, makes them slower, weaker, or less competitive. These athletes have the opportunity to fail in a safe environment in a practice or training session. Failing in the safe environment will encourage the athlete to try something new again and more frequently.
Other athletes observe this behavior from the athletes on the team, the coach that is letting the athletes take risks, and become more willing to take risks themselves. All of a sudden, there are multiple athletes working together to learn something new. This type of environment and culture are extremely contagious, which will lead the team to higher performance levels and success.
Communication is another consequence, or result, of this learning culture. When athletes are able to try new things, they are more willing to communicate with teammates and coaches about what they were trying, why they tried it, and the result. This communication from athletes will mostly likely not stop with just discussing trying new things, but the communication will continue to build into other areas.
Trust is another opportunity for growth if a coach sets the culture for athletes being encouraged to try new things and take reasonable risks. The athletes will continue to grow their trust in the team, each other, and coaches and support staff as there will be a continuously growing safe and trusting environment. With more trust, this will continue to grow the athletes, team, and help everyone achieve their goals.
With all of the potential benefits associated with having athletes learn by taking reasonable and safe risks, do not be afraid as a coach to start implementing and encouraging this in your practices. Any coach would be pleasantly surprised by the outcome of athletes learning and trying new things. The reasonable and safe risks that are taken are definitely worth the reward.