Movement, Mastery and Magic: Discovering the Fun in Sport
Why we play sports? Why does every school in the country compel pupils to play games?
Any discussion can't get very far before concluding that it's fun. Or it can be fun. Or it should be fun. Or it must be fun. That's the purpose of sport. Without enjoyment as the outcome, what's the point of it all?
All this begs the question, what is fun? What has to happen for humans to experience enjoyment through physical activity? Lots of things might be fun to some people in some circumstances. What is fun in dancing is not the same as fun in rugby. Fun in cycling is not the same as fun in cricket. Fun in fell running is not the same as fun in gymnastics. So, what are the stable generalisations of fun in sport? What applies across all circumstances?
Firstly, enjoyment in sport involves the joy of movement. Levels of activity are correlated with levels of fun, especially in children's sport. At its heart, sport is about moving and doing, not standing and listening, and that is where coaching sport occupies an uncomfortable relationship with fun. When coaching is dominated by standing and listening, then the fun of movement is correspondingly diminished.
Secondly, there has to be a dimension of mastery. Or at least the striving for mastery. The satisfactions of doing something for the first time, successfully completing skilled performance, overcoming the difficulties posed by self, environment or opponent are central to sport. The nature of those satisfactions will vary enormously between activities, and different types will have a varying level of appeal for individuals. Some will be attracted to motor skill mastery, such as that of golf or cricket, others will find appeal in intensive exercise and overcoming the inclination to stop, such as running, swimming and cycling provide. For others, swimming a width for he first time, or staying upright on a bike provide the same satisfaction as a record time might for others. But it all comes down to the satisfaction of overcoming a barrier
Finally though, sport has a rare capacity to elevate the human condition. To provide moments of magic that illuminate and uplift the human condition. A memorable spark of something of rare, of exquisite beauty, of perfection. Something not readily available, or not accessible to everyone. The sun breaking through the clouds on the hills, the perfect strike at the short corner, the long putt, perfect control of the flik flak, the middling of a cricket ball. Much of sport is about striving to do things better. Very occasionally that effort is rewarded with a special moment that lives long in the memory, and stimulates unusual personal pride. The fleeting and uplifting moments of perfection that make the discomfort, striving and endeavour worthwhile.
Does this definition have any value? If fun is what motivates people to value sport, and fun is the combination of movement, mastery and magic, it provides a framework for coaches to aim towards. Creating experiences for players that are active, and allow them to experience the joy of mastery will enable them to find enjoyment in sport. And all research suggests that experience will encourage them to persist with sport, stay involved and persevere longer. But identifying and celebrating the moments of magic must be the ultimate ambition of the teacher or coach. And finding those moments for all performers - and allowing them to recognise and celebrate them. Magic moments are not ability dependent. Otherwise they would be the preserve of the high performers. Learning can be a delight - not a duty. And underlain by the question relevant to all learners of physical activities, "What have you done today to make you feel proud?"
