Chris Mance II - Mental Skills Coach

Yesterday I came across an insight that made me pause and reflect on what truly makes an athlete rise from good to great to elite. The wisdom encapsulated in a simple statement struck me with its profound truth: “The best players are the best problem solvers.”

The best players are the best problem solvers.

The current basketball training culture is filled with a ton of highly-skilled basketball players that struggle solving problems.

Unless you can learn to solve problems, you will always be limited. No matter how skilled you are.

— Reid Ouse (@reidouse) October 2, 2023

As an athlete, it’s easy to focus on agility, strength, and speed. However, it’s also easy to overlook a less tangible but equally vital attribute: problem-solving skills. Yet, as the quote above succinctly puts it, these skills aren’t a luxury, they are fundamental.

Why Problem-Solving Matters in Athletics:

Challenges and obstacles are as common as the air athletes breathe. Whether it’s a basketball player strategizing how to bypass a frustrating defense, a soccer player calculating the perfect angle for a free kick, or a gymnast adjusting her routine on the fly due to an unexpected slip, every moment in sports presents a unique problem to solve. It’s not just about physical execution; it’s about making split-second decisions, anticipating opponents’ moves, and adapting to ever-changing circumstances.

Problem solving is not just game strategy either; it extends to the very core of an athlete’s journey. Consider a runner battling fatigue during a marathon. The problem to solve here is not just enduring the pain but also adjusting pace, regulating breathing, and maintaining mental focus. Athletes who excel at problem solving can navigate these challenges with grace and precision.

Adaptability and Resilience:

At the heart of problem-solving in athletics lies adaptability—the capacity to swiftly adjust and thrive in dynamic situations. Athletes who possess strong problem-solving skills are like water, finding their way around obstacles and, at times, even turning those obstacles into opportunities. They are resilient, refusing to be deterred by setbacks and instead viewing them as chances to learn and grow.

Consider a high school wrestler preparing for a crucial match-up in a dual meet. He’s lost to his opponent multiple times over the last year. Instead of getting discouraged, he views this challenge as an opportunity to enhance his skills. The wrestler begins by breaking down his past mistakes into categories, seeking advice from his coach, and reviewing video recordings of his previous matches. By meticulously working through this process, he not only addresses his immediate problems, but also fixes other technical deficiencies. This capacity to transform obstacles into steppingstones is a defining characteristic of athletes who stand out among their peers.

Decision-Making Under Pressure:

In the heat of competition, when the clock is ticking, and opponents are relentless, problem-solving skills become paramount. Athletes must make quick, calculated decisions that can determine victory or defeat. Imagine an NFL quarterback, trailing by six points with less than a minute on the game clock. The problem at hand: orchestrating a game-winning drive. In this high-pressure situation, the quarterback’s capacity to analyze the opposing defense, audible to the right play, execute precise throws, and manage the clock is contingent upon their problem-solving skills.

How to Train Problem-Solving Skills:

Now that you know problem-solving skills are indispensable, the question becomes: How can athletes integrate the training of these skills into their journey? The answer lies in a multifaceted approach that combines mental-skills training, practical exercises, and a growth-oriented mindset.

1. Mental-Skills Training: Athletes can benefit immensely from mental training programs that focus on decision-making, adaptability, stress management, and developing a strategic mindset. These programs help athletes develop a heightened sense of situational awareness and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
2. Scenario-Based Training: Incorporating scenario-based drills into training regimens can simulate game situations where athletes must think on their feet. For example, a football team can practice 2-minute drill scenarios involving different defensive formations, encouraging players to adapt and find solutions in real-time.
3. Video Analysis: Analyzing game footage provides a treasure trove of learning opportunities. Athletes can review their performances, identify moments where better problem-solving could have led to a different outcome, and strategize for future encounters.
4. Coach Guidance: Coaches play a pivotal role in nurturing problem-solving skills. They can encourage athletes to take initiative, make decisions, and learn from their choices. Providing constructive feedback and fostering a growth mindset within the team can have a profound impact.
5. Embrace Challenges: Finally, athletes should embrace challenges and view them as opportunities to hone their problem-solving abilities. Instead of shying away from tough opponents or demanding training sessions, they should welcome them as chances to grow.

In conclusion, the path from good to great to elite is paved with problem-solving skills. These skills enable athletes to adapt, make informed decisions under pressure, and transform setbacks into steppingstones. By incorporating problem-solving training into their journey, athletes can unlock their full potential and rise to the pinnacle of their sport. In the end, it’s not just about how fast, strong, and agile you are; it’s about how well you can solve the intricate puzzle of applying these skills strategically.