The Art of Making Sh!t Up

Chapter 21Everything I Know in Business I Learned from Coaching Girls Softball

IT IS POSSIBLE TO COMPETE, WIN, AND HAVE FUN AT THE SAME TIME

There are a lot of teams out there that rack up the wins, hoist the trophies, and look truly miserable. Winning and enjoying the process are not mutually exclusive. I dare say that enjoying the process makes winning, and sustained winning, more possible. Players don't want to stay on a team that they don't enjoy, no matter how many trophies you put on the mantel. Having fun doesn't mean there aren't goals and expectations. It is an attitude that says, “We expect to win and we're going to have a damn good time doing it.”

YELLING MAKES THINGS HARDER

Imagine this scenario: A pop fly is hit to your second basement. It is sky‐high and that 12‐year‐old kid is trying to settle under it without falling on their ass. Now add three coaches, 10 players, and 20 parents all yelling “Catch it! Catch it! Catch it!” That screaming is actually working against the outcome you're looking for from the player. Trust me, they definitely know they are supposed to catch it. Your helpful reminder is doing f'k all to help them achieve this goal.

Sports is one of the last bastions where yelling and degrading people still passes as teaching. Instead of yelling at a player when they make a mistake, point out what they did well, for example, “Nice job of getting under that ball you, where you were supposed to be.” Then give feedback that is actionable, like “Make ...