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CRITICAL THINKING
Critical Thinking in Player Development
In sports, the concept of player development sparks diverse opinions on how best to cultivate an athlete's potential. Some argue that foundational knowledge and correct movement techniques should precede gameplay, enabling players to perform at high levels with a solid understanding of the game. Others believe that development occurs through active participation, learning from more experienced players, and evolving personal styles and techniques. This philosophical debate among coaches, parents, administrators, and players often clouds the core issue. Opinions are frequently shaped by biases rather than research, science, or critical thinking. Some even contend that player development is an entirely self-driven process.
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This debate mirrors discussions in education about teaching critical thinking. Like player development, some question whether critical thinking can be taught at all. However, as this section explores, the principles of player development and critical thinking are intertwined, each enriching the other.
The importance of critical thinking was highlighted in the 1980s when studies revealed that many high school juniors and seniors struggled with writing persuasive essays and basic reading comprehension. This led to the inclusion of critical thinking skills in standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. The 1983 report by the National Commission on Excellence in Education emphasized the need to teach these skills, sparking a movement that continues to face challenges today.
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At the Pro's Lab, we explore Theory, Consumption, and Application in the context of critical thinking. The way information is consumed directly impacts its application, which is crucial for both education and player development. Many articles on teaching critical thinking miss the mark by focusing on classroom contexts where grades dictate the learning process. This approach dilutes the essence of critical thinking, reducing it to a tool for passing tests rather than a lifelong skill.
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The most effective way to teach critical thinking is through real-life application. In player development, this means training athletes to become their own best coaches. Players must learn to identify and correct their own mistakes, thinking critically about their performance and strategies. This approach encourages them to detach from biases and seek the truth about their abilities and techniques.
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In sports, skill sets are categorized as Elementary and Professional, each requiring a different mindset. An elementary skill set is based on personal understanding, while a professional skill set is grounded in research and truth. This distinction is paralleled in education, where critical thinking differentiates between elementary and professional preparation for college.
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Research indicates that high schools often fail to prepare students for college, with many needing remedial classes. This lack of preparation stems from an education system that prioritizes passing tests over fostering critical thinking. Similarly, in sports, athletes often enter college with underdeveloped skills, having relied on their natural talent rather than rigorous development.
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Athletes and students alike are pressured to perform without being given the tools to think critically about their development. Coaches and teachers should foster an environment where questioning is encouraged and critical thinking is integral to learning. However, both sports and education systems frequently prioritize immediate success over long-term development.
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The solution lies in strategic, positive approaches that prepare students and athletes for real-world challenges. In education, this means aligning teaching methods with developmental stages, ensuring continuity and growth. In sports, it requires a shift from winning-centric coaching to development-focused training, beginning in middle school and extending through high school.
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Programs like "Eight Grade Pro" bridge the gap between early enthusiasm and professional development. By transitioning eighth graders to pro-level skills before high school, this program allows for mistakes and growth without fear of failure. Over four years, these athletes develop mastery, entering college with advanced skills and critical thinking abilities.
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Understanding the critical transition periods in education and sports is essential. Middle school is a pivotal time for social, physical, and academic development, yet it often receives insufficient attention. AAU sports and other programs can supplement this development, but they must focus on holistic growth rather than mere competition.
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In conclusion, critical thinking is vital for both player development and education. It involves questioning, understanding, and applying knowledge beyond surface-level success. By fostering environments that prioritize critical thinking, we can better prepare students and athletes for their future challenges, ensuring they develop the skills needed to excel both academically and athletically.
OUR RESEARCH
Integrating Critical Thinking into Skill Development
At the Pro's Lab, our journey into understanding critical thinking began in 1979 with an intriguing study of infants learning to walk. This research aimed to explore how the natural process of learning to walk could inform our methodology for teaching critical sports skills, particularly shooting in basketball. The study's hypothesis revolved around the idea that the principles of discovery, experimental learning, and developmental learning could be applied to sports training.
Discovery Phase
A baby's first natural instinct is to crawl, followed by the urge to stand by any means possible. Initially, the baby relies on holding a parent's hand for support and then gradually attempts to stand independently. Once the baby realizes it's possible to stand alone by balancing its body weight, it will often fall after a short period. This is where critical thinking first comes into play. The baby begins to understand the concept of balance and starts experimenting with different ways to achieve it.
Experimental Learning
Next, the baby will hold onto furniture to gain a better sense of balance before letting go to test its newfound understanding. This process mirrors the essence of critical thinking: experimenting, learning from outcomes, and adjusting strategies. Parents play a crucial role in this stage by encouraging their child with baby talk and supportive gestures, motivating them to take those first unassisted steps. The baby might initially manage only one step, but the key is learning to balance between steps, prompting the baby to think critically about maintaining balance.
As the baby progresses to taking two consecutive steps, the encouragement from parents intensifies, urging the baby not to give up. Within a few months, the baby typically learns to take steps towards walking independently. This stage embodies experimental learning, where the child continually tests and refines their ability to balance and walk.
Developmental Learning
The process of walking and learning to walk independently marks the beginning of discovery for a baby. Failure becomes the child's best teacher. Once they are comfortable with taking steps on their own, they want to explore moving faster. However, because the essential information for maintaining balance has not been fully programmed in the brain, they fall. They go back to the critical thinking process to remember balancing between steps. Once they slow down and accept the concepts of balance and how it applies to running, they can move faster without falling. They acknowledge that there are different speeds and consequently put the process of running together in their minds.
Around the middle of the two-year-old mark, a baby is consistently learning to include balance in all forms of walking and running. Through positive coaching and developmental learning, for the next few years, they go to kindergarten and first grade with the understanding of walking. From there, once they get into grades K-5, they learn how to run, kick, catch, dodge, and play games efficiently.
Applying This Theory to Sports at the Pro's Lab
By applying this theory of discovery, experimental learning, and developmental learning to sports, we at the Pro's Lab have integrated critical thinking as a fundamental component of our training. Rather than viewing it as an extracurricular activity, critical thinking is embedded in our curriculum, making it an essential part of the learning process at the Lab.
Theoretical Framework for Teaching Shooting
The study of infants learning to walk provided a foundational framework for our hypothesis on teaching shooting in basketball. The principles of balance, experimentation, and iterative learning were applied to develop our shooting methodology. This approach, known as the 3R's (Ready, Rhythm, Release), focuses on understanding the mechanics of shooting, practicing these mechanics through guided experimentation, and refining the skill through continuous developmental learning.
Conclusion
The Pro's Lab's methodology for integrating critical thinking into skill development is rooted in decades of research and observation. By drawing parallels between a baby's learning process and athletic training, we have created a robust framework that emphasizes discovery, experimental learning, and developmental learning. This approach not only enhances athletic performance but also fosters personal growth and critical thinking, preparing athletes for success both on and off the field.