If you have ever coached youth in an invasion sport, you have probably shouted “spread out!” at some point. Kids spread out momentarily, then reconvene around the ball shortly after. What’s the point?
Last week, in a 30-yard by 30-yard grid with three mini-goals scattered throughout the pitch, I coached a 4v4 session. Every member of the team was aligned with the same thinking—score a goal. That’s teamwork, right?
Only one player began seeing things differently. True, the game required scoring goals, but what if the point was moving the ball away from the opposition and avoiding the crowd? Seven players were all doing the same thing —following the ball, and one had seen something different.
Moments like this make coaching worthwhile. I wasn’t trying to get every kid to do the same thing; that’s why they follow the ball. My job was to help the group embrace a new idea, a new perspective, and test it.
When everyone on the team does the same thing, you have a rabble, not a team. Look for individuals who think differently and find ways to connect them to the rest. That’s the work of building a team.