The Coach Who Tries to Force a Mold
“Always receive the ball in front of your body.”
“Never swing your arms when you receive.”
“Your approach must be three steps.”
“Always face the direction you’re setting in.”
If you’ve played volleyball, you’ve probably heard phrases like these countless times. Many coaches try to force players into an ideal “mold,” believing it’s the only correct way to play. But we need to seriously consider the negative effects of this approach.
The Player in the Mold
Forcing players into a mold might seem like a quick way for a coach to show results.
But let’s think about it from the player’s perspective. The joy of sports comes from the process of improving, which includes trial and error—trying things that don’t work and learning from them.
Can a player truly find joy in a process that is solely focused on learning a “mold” that their coach believes is correct?
I don’t think so. When that happens, the fun that is so central to sports disappears. It stops being a game and becomes nothing more than a drill.
Trial and Error: The Key to a Player’s Growth
Looking at a player’s long-term growth, the harm of being forced into a mold is even clearer.
When a player is deprived of the opportunity to experiment, they lose the ability to think for themselves. They become a player who simply follows the coach’s instructions, believing that their way is the only right way.
This leads to a mental freeze.
The result is a player who acts like a robot—uninteresting and without a will of their own. Such a player won’t be able to captivate an audience, nor will they be able to truly enjoy the sport from the bottom of their heart.
Don’t Interfere, But Encourage
So, as coaches, how should we support a player’s growth instead of forcing them into a mold?
My answer is this: Don’t interfere with the process of trial and error; just encourage it.
A coach who demands trial and error without providing any guidance is simply being neglectful. A better approach is to first demonstrate the desired play and share three key points for the player to focus on. Then, simply observe.
As you watch the player, you’ll be able to tell if they are experimenting effectively. If they are, let them continue. If they seem stuck, you can offer a new hint or ask a guiding question.
By repeating this process, players will find a form and motion that are best for them. More importantly, they will gain the confidence to learn and grow on their own, making the entire process of development a truly enjoyable experience.
A coach’s role is not to get in the way of this valuable process, but to encourage it when needed. And for the coach, the joy comes from being a part of this valuable journey.
