On practice

I loved the descriptions of the Korean and Japanese baseball teams practice routines in this article in The New York Times - and the joy felt by the American scouts watching on.

Baseball scouts are known for watching games, but the best in the business focus just as much on pregame practice, sometimes more. Three games can pass without getting to see how a shortstop can flash into the hole, or how well a second baseman charges a slow grounder. But when top Asian teams take batting practice, a scout’s inner aesthete awakens to the beauty of the game.

It reminded me of the theory about the importance of 'deliberate practice' as espoused by Anders Ericsson and made famous by Malcom Gladwell.

And it brought to mind the activities of Charlton substitutes at half-time. You couldn't call what they do for ten minutes practice. They have a kickabout. It's casual. Jokey. And with no sense of purpose other than keeping warm and vaguely occupied.

Somehow I don't think either the Asian baseball players and coaches or Anders Ericsson would approve.