All opinions expressed in the blog are solely my own. Don't blame anyone else.
All sport programs are subject to fragility, failure under stress. The New England Patriots had a long period (2001-2018) of success with six Super Bowl titles. That's not the norm. Most attribute the success to superior coaching under Bill Belichick and exceptional quarterback play by Tom Brady.
A variety of factors work to limit sustainable competitive advantage - structural including a salary cap, free agency, and standings-based drafting and nonstructural including team spending, injuries, and "attractiveness" of franchises by winning, weather, state taxes, and other factors.
MVB has enjoyed success since at least 2002. In the book "Antifragile," Nassim Taleb examines factors impacting fragility and a desire to make systems "antifragile," that is 'hardened' by stress.
First, a digression to ChatGPT:
1. Emphasize Process Over Outcome
Programs that focus solely on winning are fragile; one bad season or key injury can derail them. Antifragile programs emphasize growth, improvement, and consistent execution of core principles.
Example: A volleyball program that measures success by metrics like fewer errors, stronger team communication, and incremental skill improvements—not just wins—can adapt better to setbacks like losing star players.
2. Build Depth and Redundancy
An antifragile program develops multiple layers of talent and leadership so it doesn’t crumble if a key player or coach departs.
Tactics:
- Prioritize deep rosters with rotational players ready to step up.
- Develop assistant coaches who can sustain the program’s philosophy if the head coach leaves.
- Cross-train players in multiple positions to increase versatility and flexibility.
3. Foster a Culture of Adaptability
Programs that embrace flexibility and innovation thrive in chaotic environments. This includes teaching athletes to adjust their approach mid-game and evolving the program’s strategies over time.
How:
- Teach players situational awareness and the ability to "read the game."
- Use diverse practice scenarios (e.g., playing with different lineups or under altered rules) to simulate unpredictable conditions.
- Regularly evaluate and tweak training methods to stay ahead of competition.
4. Encourage Feedback Loops
Antifragile systems improve by learning from stressors and feedback. Create a culture where players, coaches, and staff give and receive constructive criticism.
Actionable Steps:
- Review game film to analyze mistakes and adapt strategies.
- Conduct end-of-season player surveys to identify weaknesses in training or team culture.
- Hold regular team meetings where athletes share what’s working and what needs improvement.
5. Normalize Failure as a Learning Tool
Fragile programs fear failure because it exposes weaknesses. Antifragile programs embrace failure as an opportunity to grow stronger.
Approach:
- Encourage players to take calculated risks during games.
- Debrief losses with a focus on lessons learned rather than blame.
- Reward effort and improvement over perfection to reduce fear of mistakes.
6. Develop Mental Toughness and Resilience
Antifragility thrives on stress, and mentally tough athletes handle stress better. A team with emotional resilience can turn adversity into opportunity.
Strategies:
- Teach mindfulness techniques to stay calm under pressure.
- Expose players to high-pressure situations in practice (e.g., time-crunch drills, clutch free throws after sprints).
- Instill confidence by celebrating small victories, like improving fitness metrics or mastering specific skills.
7. Diversify Revenue and Resource Streams
Many programs are fragile because they rely heavily on a single source of funding or one star player to attract attention. Diversification adds antifragility.
Ideas:
- Build strong alumni networks for support and funding.
- Host camps and clinics to engage the community and generate revenue.
- Develop a program identity that attracts players and fans, even in lean seasons.
8. Institutionalize Continuous Learning
The best programs are perpetual learners. They actively seek ways to improve and adapt to changing circumstances.
Implementation:
- Send coaches to clinics, conferences, and workshops to stay updated on new trends.
- Use data analytics to refine training plans and in-game strategies.
- Benchmark your program against top competitors to identify gaps.
9. Promote Self-Organizing Leadership
Rigid hierarchies are fragile. Antifragile systems empower players to lead and solve problems autonomously, creating a more adaptable team.
Practical Steps:
- Rotate captains or leadership roles to build leadership depth.
- Encourage players to hold each other accountable during games and practices.
- Use team-building exercises to foster trust and cohesion.
10. Build a Culture of "Skin in the Game"
Antifragility thrives on accountability and commitment. Programs where everyone—coaches, players, staff—has a stake in the program’s success create a shared sense of responsibility.
How:
- Align individual goals with team goals (e.g., players aiming for personal milestones that contribute to team success).
- Share success stories of former players to reinforce the long-term benefits of commitment.
- Encourage athletes to invest emotionally and physically in their teammates’ success.
11. Use Chaos as a Training Tool
Introduce controlled chaos in practices to simulate the unpredictability of games. This builds adaptability and reduces fear of unexpected challenges.
Examples:
- Play with uneven teams (e.g., 4 vs. 5) to teach problem-solving.
- Practice with game clocks running at odd intervals or surprise rule changes.
- Run “scramble drills” where players must respond to broken plays.
12. Institutionalize Values Over Personalities
Programs reliant on a single charismatic coach or player are fragile. Antifragile programs institutionalize core values, ensuring continuity regardless of personnel changes.
Steps:
- Document and communicate the program’s philosophy (e.g., teamwork, hard work, humility).
- Celebrate behaviors that align with the program’s identity, not just stats or wins.
- Develop a mentoring pipeline where older players and staff teach newcomers.
By embracing uncertainty and learning to grow from it, sports programs can make themselves stronger over time. The key is viewing challenges as opportunities, not threats, and designing systems that thrive on change. Which of these ideas feels most relevant to your program?
Let's examine a few factors that affect program fragility.
1. Alternative sports. Let's look outside Melrose, at Watertown with their uber-dominant field hockey (FH) program. FH success is easier without 'competition' from other major fall sports. Their soccer program went 2-15 and volleyball 0-20. Neither sport has gravitational force to attract top athletes from FH. A superpower program can be self-sustaining.
2. Program culture. A culture of positivity and success has 'intangibles' that help recruit and retain players.
3. Sport popularity trends in society. More high school girls (470K versus 373K) participate in volleyball than basketball (NFHS statistics). The participation trend is upward for both girls and boys.
5. Youth development program. Middle school volleyball has shown an explosive growth in participation. The more athletes to choose from the greater likelihood of finding "diamonds in the rough."
6. The more participation and growth mindset in a program the more opportunity to develop both excellent frontline AND depth players.
7. Community support. Success attracts 'eyeballs' and resources. An effective booster organization can help fund equipment, uniforms, and coaching positions.
8. Success attracts and retains players who build skill through offseason strength and conditioning and offseason play. Better athleticism and experience helps prepare players for the regular and postseason.
Lagniappe. Subtle angle differences on middle attack.
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