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Developing employability through sport and physical activity
Developing employability through sport and physical activity

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2 From hurdles to triumph – problem-solving in sport

Described image
Figure 3 Tactical chalkboard
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A tactical chalkboard. A person’s hand can be seen marking up movements and playing patterns.

Figure 3 Tactical chalkboard

Engagement in sports can contribute to the enhancement of problem-solving skills in several ways. Overall, problem-solving in sport develops athletes’ ability to think critically, make informed decisions, adapt to changing circumstances, and overcome challenges. These skills are not only valuable on the field but also in other aspects of life. Problem-solving is also a vital skill for coaches as it enables them to work through complex situations, optimise performance, handle pressure, foster team dynamics, plan for the future, and continue growing as effective leaders in the world of sports.

Activity 2 Solving problems on the field

Timing: Allow approximately 20 minutes
  1. Familiarise yourself with this infographic which proposes several ways in which engaging in sport can contribute to the enhancement of problem-solving skills.
    Described image
    Figure 4 Problem solving infographic
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    Infographic is headed by the words ‘PROBLEM SOLVING’, followed by text which reads: Engagement in sports can contribute to the enhancement of problem-solving skills in several ways. Here are some ways in which sports can help develop problem-solving abilities. Other sections are: DECISION MAKING; You will often be required to make choices under pressure, by assessing the situation, evaluating options and making split second decisions. STRATEGIC THINKING; Many athletes will need to anticipate their opponents’ moves, analyse their own team’s strengths and weaknesses, and devise effective strategies to achieve their goals. This nurtures problem-solving skills by encouraging individuals to find creative and effective solutions to overcome obstacles. GOAL SETTING AND PERSISTENCE; In sports, athletes set specific goals and work towards achieving them. They learn to break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks and persistently work towards them. This goal-oriented mindset fosters problem-solving skills by teaching individuals to approach challenges systematically, break down problems into actionable steps, and persevere in the face of difficulties. Coaches who actively engage in problem-solving become more adept at their craft. Each problem they encounter provides an opportunity to learn and grow, expanding their knowledge, experience, and expertise. ADAPTING TO CHANGING SITUATIONS; Sports frequently involve unpredictable and dynamic environments. Competitors and coaches must adapt to changing conditions, such as weather, opponent tactics, or injuries. This adaptability helps develop problem-solving skills by training individuals to think on their feet, adjust their strategies, and find alternative approaches when faced with unexpected challenges. COLLABORATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING; Team sports require effective collaboration and communication among teammates. Athletes must work together to solve problems, such as breaking through a strong defence or developing new plays. A coach's ability to solve problems plays a vital role in building and maintaining a cohesive and harmonious team environment. They need to address conflicts, manage personalities, and foster effective communication among team members. Problem-solving skills help coaches identify underlying issues, mediate conflicts, and implement strategies that promote teamwork and cooperation.

    Figure 4 Problem solving infographic
  2. Using each heading and subsequent explanation, record in the text box below specific examples of how you have displayed these within your own sporting context. Try to think about this from a layered perspective: What was the problem? What did you do to solve it? What was the outcome?
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Discussion

Problem-solving might seem like quite a daunting skill given that it is often driven by the unknown. However, hopefully you have noted several ways in which you are already developing this skill through your engagement in sport. By reflecting on the problems you encountered, the actions you took, and the resulting impact, you are building a repository of highly specific examples that can effectively demonstrate and illustrate this skill to a broader audience.

Just like in sport, problem-solving is an essential employability skill because it allows individuals to effectively navigate challenges and find solutions in the workplace. This skill is highly valued by employers as it shows your ability to:

  • Be adaptable
  • Be innovative and creative
  • Make sound decisions
  • Collaborate with others
  • Improve efficiency and productivity
  • Facilitates continuous improvement
  • Identify development needs

These skills are applicable across various industries and job roles (Singh et al., 2013), making them crucial for employability and career advancement.