Finding fun in failure

In this blog Amanda Bennett, Governance Consultant, looks at the relationship between elite sportspeople, failure and increasing physical literacy.

There is no doubt that in the first two weeks of the Rugby World Cup we have seen drama, wonderful athleticism, proud nations performing in front of passionate (yet peaceful) fans, and the biggest shock result in the tournament’s history.

What has stood out for me is the skill level. In the early editions of the RWC we would see sublime passing and kicking skills from backs of all countries whilst the forwards revelled only in the dark denizens of the scrum, ruck and maul. Oh how the game has changed. It is wonderful to see Wales flanker’s Justin Tuperic’s soft hand passes (v Uruguay) and the stunning balance, skill and awareness of Fiji’s Leone Nakarawa, a second row with offloading skills to rival All Black centre Sonny Bill Williams.

These players, and many more, are incredibly comfortable with the rugby ball in hand and demonstrate great confidence in the gross and fine skills of the game. They have been honed over many years and it should not surprise us if we discover each of them started running, catching, kicking, hitting, rolling and falling before they could speak, read or write.

The world’s finest athletes, men and women, understand the power of play. They will have learned more complex techniques and tactics in a formal setting such as school or a club but for most, trying something in the back garden or local park was just as much fun. Whether it is a hand stand, keep it up football or catching a fresh egg with one hand, trial and error was all part of the game. Getting it wrong made getting it right all the more satisfying. It also gave confidence to try that skill or trick in a game or competition – even if it's just with friends.

“I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed”
tttttttttMichael Jordan

Michael Jordan’s quote about failure will hold true for any sportswoman or man who has reached elite levels. In the early years, what they were doing, whether they realised it or not, was developing physical literacy.

What is physical literacy? This is one of the simpler definitions:

Physical Skills + Confidence + Motivation + Lots of opportunities = Physical Literacy

Our challenge is to teach younger generations the joy of play. Moreover, getting it wrong is the best way to get better. This is not about elite performance or winning medals, it is about developing physical confidence which forms the basis of a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.

Obesity and sedentary lifestyles, which are too often starting in youth, represent two of the greatest risks to society. Ultimately we all want children to be happy, healthy and confident, both now and for their future. Unfortunately without the right skills, confidence and motivation to be physically active, the chances of this are far less likely.

Being physically literate is as important to a young person’s future as reading and writing.
It means that a child will take part in sport and physical activity throughout life, allowing them to stay healthy, but also providing lots of other benefits and opportunities. The body of evidence that reinforces the benefits of physical activity in schools, from reduced truancy to improved exam grades.

It has often been a source of great frustration to those us in the sport and recreation sector that there remains a lack of strategic thinking, planning and proper resourcing of physical education and school sport. However, in Wales, new ideas and initiatives are making an impact.

The Physical Literacy Programme for Schools (PLPS) was launched in September 2014. PLPS is a targeted intervention programme looking to address young people's engagement in school, improve their self-confidence and in some cases improve their numeracy and literacy. A draft physical literacy framework has been developed with ideas and resources produced for parents and teachers. These are aimed at children from 0-3 and upwards through all the school years.

The school education curriculum in Wales is currently under review and it is hoped that the Physical Literacy framework will be adopted within the new curriculum from 2016. Giving physical literacy the same priority as numeracy and literacy can help future generations’ health, happiness and wellbeing. More than this it will help us all rediscover the power of play and continue to provide us with wonderful sporting spectacles.

For more information on the Physical Literacy framework, click here - http://physicalliteracy.sportwales.org.uk/en

Share this article:

Back to all news