On the Goldilocks Zone

Getting to the Goldilocks Zone

The Goldilocks Zone is a term from skill acquisition research that refers to the "sweet spot" in learning conditions.

When learners have both the right amount of skill and the optimal level of challenge present, in other words, when tasks are difficult, but achievable, we create the conditions for maximum learning and growth.

This is where flow state lives.

If we're talking about a shooting-focused session, there are two ways you can help your athlete move into flow in practice:

1. In the drills/games that you choose. (This requires technical expertise.)

2. In the amount of feedback you withhold. (This requires teaching expertise and the discipline brevity requires.)

Today, I'm going to address Number 2.

If you've ever studied flow, you'll know that one of the keys to reaching a flow state is getting immediate feedback about how you are doing at each step.

But here's the nuance:

They are not talking about the feedback from you.

The athletes are already getting immediate feedback from the rim.

If you want to create an environment where your athlete finds flow, you cannot make a habit of disrupting their dance.

The information from the immediate visual feedback they're getting from studying the ball's interaction with the target, THOSE are where the little body adjustments that they make between shots come from.

If we shift their focus too much, we take away their dancing shoes and the Goldilocks Zone of learning for them.

Create flow in every workout by picking the single most important focus in their technique, and provide them with the drills, the cues, and the space to cut a rug.

Until next time,

BriAnna

P.S.

This week I launched the Shooters Shoot Coaching Certification Program.

I believe it will shape the way shooting is taught worldwide, but more importantly, I believe it will become a standard teaching certification for all youth coaches.

I created it inside my own Goldilocks Zone.

It is for coaches who want to add FG% to their teams.

It is for trainers who want to be known as a credible "shooting specialist."

It is for parents who want to teach to the level of their athletes' ambitions.

Go check it out. :)