Becoming the Best at Getting Better: The power of games within the game
At the most basic level, you are playing your particular sport. The game of basketball is to get the ball in the hoop and keep the other team from scoring. In softball, you want to hit the ball, score runs, and get the other team out as quickly as possible. With track or swimming, you want to have the fastest time. For tennis, you want to win enough sets to complete the match, preferably with your opponent not winning any.
While being the best and winning certainly is fun, it really isn’t critical until you are being paid money to do it. Even then, those athletes know it is better to stay focused on being the best at getting better. Throughout your youth sports career, working to improve your skills, rather than simply when the contest is more beneficial in the long run.
Solution: games within the game.
A game within the game has a smaller, more specific aim that allows you to develop in a particular area or create a more fulfilling challenge. When the focus is on getting better, you can create simple games that have their own rules that you are trying to win within the larger game of the competition. Often, this is best used to work on a weakness, help you further develop a strength, or actively incorporate very necessary mental skills into the game. There are also times when the opponent you are facing does not provide you a challenge, which can make it difficult to enjoy the game or gain any benefit. By incorporating a game within the game, you continue to make progress, get the fun of competition, and enjoy the sport you love.
I’ve included some examples below, but you really are limited only by your creativity in how you are able to incorporate this into your training and competitions. With team sports, games within the game can be individualized or require the entire team.
Baseball/Softball:
Scoops – the team gets a point for every “scoop” made whether it was a shoe-string catch by an outfielder or a diving stop by an infielder; set a goal for the game (or the tournament) and if you achieve it, go out for a scoop of ice cream afterwards!
For the pitcher – putting limits on what pitches they can use, how many pitches they can throw each batter, or what part of the zone they can use
Basketball:
Require a certain number of passes prior to driving to the basket
Require a different person to attempt to score each time down the floor
Tennis:
Completing X number of volleys before going for the winner
Must take a breath between each point
Each game must include at least one drop shot
When thinking about what game within the game you are going to play, consider what you want to improve upon, what specific skills or knowledge will benefit you at the next level, and what aspects you enjoy most about playing. Use these games within the game to help you become the best at getting better. Not only will you have more fun, you’ll get better in the process which leads to more fun playing at even higher levels – a positive cycle of fun.
Need help creating your own version of games within the game? What guidance to become the best at getting better? Work with Dr. Lindsey today!