Principles of Coaching #3 - Encourage creativity, playmaking and hustle - provide a big canvas and let the players paint (Bot9 #307)

God’s creativity is amazing. We see it in nature, the design of the world, and in us. Creativity is an incredible expression of Him as our Creator and us as His masterpiece. The best part about this is that we are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27) and have been blessed with his spark for creativity inside of us.

We’re not created as robots to just color between the lines. Anyone remember a kid from your kindergarten class who just scribbled everywhere as if there were no lines at all? As a first-born, Type A, rule-follower, I just couldn’t understand him! However, as an adult now and seeing the benefits of creativity on the field, I do what I can to encourage players to color outside the lines. There are boundaries at the edge of the canvas, but there are no lines on the canvas itself. Create.

This idea manifests itself in many different ways. It could be fielding ground balls between the legs, glove flips on a double-play turn, or barehanding the flip to make a throw. It might be crazy hitting movements to feel something different. It’s also allowing your dugout to resemble those you see during the College World Series with all of their unique and crazy antics. Whatever it is, let them express the creativity God has placed inside of them.

God has created each one uniquely. He is the potter and we are the clay (Isaiah 64:8). He has a plan for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11), and has good works for us to complete (Ephesians 2:10). We are all part of Christ’s body and all have a part to play (1 Corinthians 12:25-28). Treat each artist differently and treat each team differently. Some years you might have some Picassos. Other years they might be Michelangelos. You may even have some Van Goghs in other years. Let them create.

For those who are bound by the lines, like I was with that kindergarten classmate, they’re going to struggle with the freedom you’re allowing. There are great benefits to order and structure. They are helpful and I wouldn’t suggest breaking the rules. However, I’m okay with scribbling outside the lines for the sake of their development. It allows the players to experience new levels of joy and creative expressions on the field leads to great things in the lives of young people.

God’s given us the biggest canvas imaginable - this whole world. The baseball field is just an extension of that canvas. It’s a world inside of the world. Let’s encourage our players to be creative, to make plays, and to play like it’s wiffle ball in the back yard.