When you look at the athletes in your squad or team, what do you see? This article is in response to a recent discussion with a coach. This discussion highlighted that in some instances, coaches can view their players only from the perspective of their technical expertise, and the value this contributes. For example, how does one linebacker influence your team, in comparison to another whose technical role is identical? Does one talk and encourage others more? Does one listen and understand the set plays better?

In reality, when we look at athletes in any sport, we must challenge ourselves to view an athlete’s total contribution and therefore, establish roles for our athletes that suit the type of contribution they are capable of making. All for the benefit of the team.