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Sports as art
What separates good and great athletes from everyone else is their approach to their sport.
I've been realizing that sport is a creative outlet that is on the same level as writing, music, painting, etc. When I get on the field to play, it takes a great level of creativity to find ways to help my team and react to a constantly changing dynamic situation.
And, exactly like all other forms of art, sport takes a lot of work to get good at. This is why I can't fathom why people would play a sport and not put their all into it. Your body is the outlet of expression, and your skills are the tools for displaying this expression - what does it say about yourself if you don't play with the mental and physical intensity to improve?
I have players on my team that don't run, don't work on basic skills when given the chance, that don't play defense, that don't pass well and don't work on passing, that don't pay attention to where their teammates are, etc. It totally boggles my mind - now, of course, there is a learning curve, but when you don't run or work on the basics then I wonder why they're playing at all.
Today I ran more than everyone on my team to try to show them what it looks like to play well. To play in the right place, with the right intensity, with focus... But that is something that comes from within - I can only provide training and opportunity, they have to find a way to make it mean something.
I'm lead to believe that the biggest crisis that is facing our society is that there is a huge lack of artistry.
Professional sports is often reduced to a big play highlight reel. The slam dunk, the touchdown run, the big hit on defense, the home run, and in soccer - the flamboyant goal. Always the spectacular. Its just as with music - trumpets playing louder and ever higher, but in tune? Or playing notes faster and faster instead of finding a way to really make an instrument sing. And rockstars that look pretty, and wear the right clothes, but can barely play an instrument (and write terrible lyrics).
The difference between an artist and a hack is the attention to detail, the ability to feel the moment and express one's self honestly (rather than to impress), and working hard to improve in all aspects of the field of artistry.
I'm finally understanding that music and soccer are nearly the same thing to me, just different forms of self-expression - as an artist.
I've been realizing that sport is a creative outlet that is on the same level as writing, music, painting, etc. When I get on the field to play, it takes a great level of creativity to find ways to help my team and react to a constantly changing dynamic situation.
And, exactly like all other forms of art, sport takes a lot of work to get good at. This is why I can't fathom why people would play a sport and not put their all into it. Your body is the outlet of expression, and your skills are the tools for displaying this expression - what does it say about yourself if you don't play with the mental and physical intensity to improve?
I have players on my team that don't run, don't work on basic skills when given the chance, that don't play defense, that don't pass well and don't work on passing, that don't pay attention to where their teammates are, etc. It totally boggles my mind - now, of course, there is a learning curve, but when you don't run or work on the basics then I wonder why they're playing at all.
Today I ran more than everyone on my team to try to show them what it looks like to play well. To play in the right place, with the right intensity, with focus... But that is something that comes from within - I can only provide training and opportunity, they have to find a way to make it mean something.
I'm lead to believe that the biggest crisis that is facing our society is that there is a huge lack of artistry.
Professional sports is often reduced to a big play highlight reel. The slam dunk, the touchdown run, the big hit on defense, the home run, and in soccer - the flamboyant goal. Always the spectacular. Its just as with music - trumpets playing louder and ever higher, but in tune? Or playing notes faster and faster instead of finding a way to really make an instrument sing. And rockstars that look pretty, and wear the right clothes, but can barely play an instrument (and write terrible lyrics).
The difference between an artist and a hack is the attention to detail, the ability to feel the moment and express one's self honestly (rather than to impress), and working hard to improve in all aspects of the field of artistry.
I'm finally understanding that music and soccer are nearly the same thing to me, just different forms of self-expression - as an artist.
posted by Will at 8:46 PM
1 Comments:
I've noticed the relationship between creativity/art and fitness. I think creative people are more likely to get into it, at least, that's what I've noticed through blog surfing... I never realized the reason for the connection until now, after reading your post though.
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