This article explores a core question in coaching: what should be the foundation of a team’s functional play? We’ll examine two possible answers: Patterns and Playing Principles.
The Two Approaches: Patterns vs. Principles
First, let’s define these two terms.
- Pattern: This approach involves a set, repeatable action for a specific situation. For example, “if A happens, do B; if C happens, do D.”
- Playing Principles: This approach involves acting spontaneously and intelligently based on a set of shared behavioral guidelines.
A team that plays by patterns might succeed when the game unfolds exactly as they’ve practiced. However, if an unexpected situation arises, the team can fall into chaos, and their play will break down. This approach is unreliable in games where countless scenarios can occur.
In contrast, a team that plays by playing principles is more resilient. If the team has established sound principles, players can rely on these guidelines to make autonomous decisions in any situation. This enables them to execute functional and effective plays no matter what the opponent does.
Players: Robots vs. Creators
This distinction also defines a player’s mindset.
A player who relies on patterns might be highly effective in specific situations but is likely to struggle when faced with the unexpected.
Why?
Because players who only follow patterns are often in a state of arrested development. As they repeat the same motions over and over, they lose their ability to think for themselves and become like robots.
But what about a player who follows playing principles?
Does this limit their creativity?
Absolutely not.
In fact, a degree of constraint—a principle—is what allows players to fully express their imagination and creativity.
We can only walk or jump because of the constraint of the ground.
Think about Steve Jobs and Apple’s early days. The company’s first office was in a garage, with limited resources and staff. Yet, it was within those very constraints that Jobs’s creativity exploded, leading to a computer that changed the world. If he had unlimited resources from the start, would he have been forced to be as inventive?
Playing principles serve the same purpose. The right set of constraints allows each player to tap into their unique imagination and creativity.
The Elements of an Effective Playing Principle
This article argues for using principles over patterns, but it’s crucial to stress that a good playing principle must be one that brings out the maximum creativity of a team.
A playing principle should not be so restrictive that it robs players of their freedom. Nor should it be so abstract that it fails to provide any clear direction.
The ideal principle is one that allows each player to express their individuality while ensuring the team functions as a cohesive unit.
An ideal playing principle doesn’t appear out of thin air. It is shaped through the collaborative efforts of coaches and players, refined through trial and error. The principles a team adopts will naturally reflect the unique volleyball philosophy of its players and coaches.
