Got skills? There are Benefits of Playing With Less Skilled Players

Playing with less skilled players can be a rewarding experience for both you and the other players. It's a great way to improve your teaching skills, be a positive role model, build camaraderie, and have fun! All of these are the goals of most recreational sports programs.

As players begin to attain more skill in this environment, they tend to move around, and away from less skilled players in search of what they consider are better games or a more engaging experience. In the process more skilled players, in any recreational sport, can inadvertently set up a pass/fail environment when choosing teammates or opponents. These actions can inhibit the creation of a more inclusive and enjoyable gaming environment for everyone.

There are a few reasons why more skilled players might do this.

• The desire to win - They may feel that they have a better chance of winning if they choose teammates who are also skilled, and they may feel that they have a better chance of winning if they avoid choosing opponents who are also skilled.
• Desire a more challenging experience - They may feel that they are not challenged enough when they play with less skilled players, and they may want to play with players who are at their level or better.
• Self Awareness - more skilled players may not be aware of the impact that their choices have on less skilled players. They may not realize that by choosing only skilled teammates or opponents, they are making it more difficult for less skilled players to succeed.

As a skilled player, you may be used to dominating your opponents. But there are actually many advantages to playing with less skilled players. Here are a few:

• You can improve your teaching skills - When you teach less skilled players, you have to break down the game into simpler terms and explain the concepts in a way that everyone can understand. This can help you to become better at teaching and communicating your knowledge.
• You can be a positive role model - Less skilled players can look up to skilled players and learn from their example. You can show them how to practice, how to stay motivated, and how to deal with defeat. This can help the less skilled players to improve their own skills and confidence.
• You can build camaraderie - Playing with less skilled players can help you to build camaraderie and teamwork. When everyone is working together to achieve a common goal, it can create a sense of community and belonging.
• You can have fun - Sometimes, it's just fun to play with people who are not as good as you are. It can take the pressure off and allow you to relax and enjoy the game.

Of course, there are also some challenges to playing with less skilled players. You may have to be patient and understanding, and you may have to adjust your playing style to accommodate the less skilled players. However, the benefits of playing with less skilled players can outweigh the challenges.

If you're a skilled player, I encourage you to give it a try. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

Here are some tips for playing with less skilled players:

• Be patient and understanding - Everyone learns at their own pace.
• Focus on teaching, not winning - The goal is to help the less skilled players improve, not to beat them.
• Adjust your playing style - If you're too good, you'll make it difficult for the less skilled players to learn.
• Be positive and encouraging - Help the less skilled players stay motivated and have fun.

So next time you're looking for someone to play with, don't be afraid to ask someone who's less skilled than you. By keeping these things in mind, you might just be surprised at how much you enjoy it.