Only the best think outside the box

By: T. Fakhoury

When you first start playing a sport, you might be dumbfounded by the information overload, you start off by learning the basics and understanding how the sport works, but at some point you will reach a level in which there is nothing new to learn. You might already know all the basics and you may have mastered them, but what differentiates the best players from average players thinking outside the box.


The “box” in this context would mean the basics of the sport in general. By thinking outside of it, you use what you know to explore different areas and situations nobody has thought to do before. By thinking outside the box we can find ways to  bypass problems, which might not exactly be in the rules, but that means that you are thinking outside the box, you are thinking outside of the game. The best way to do this is by practicing on your own, no need for a coach, all you need is yourself , and that’s what creates the best players.


Being flexible in tense and rapid situations is what differentiates you from others. For example, you might know that some players have created signature moves like Ronaldo’s “Chop” or Iniesta’s “La Croqueta”. Today these moves are used by many, but they will always be seen as the original players’ move, they always refer back to the original players who created them, making them stand out.


By being flexible and using your creativity to overcome tricky situations you are thinking outside the box, showing your mastery of the sport and being able to overcome problems in different ways, making you stand out as this is unique to you, not always have to create a move or a play, you can also join 2 of them together, but what matters is how you stand out and show your ability to think and improve.