Let’s stop being less than the sum of our parts
Let's connect as a Gestalt. Let's create something greater than the sum of our parts. Let's connect for more, not less.
Players first learn the parts and then connect them in a framework of parts. Any disconnection leads to unexpected errors, that lead to performance falling below the sum of the parts. Most of us settle for getting as close to the sum of the parts as possible. And the occasional fleeting moment of connection that creates something greater than the sum of its parts, a phenomenon known as Gestalt, that is often considered outside the scope of training.
A lingering question remains: if the distinction between exceptional performance and failure is tied to the ability to discover and maintain a state of Gestalt, then assisting athletes in finding and preserving this state must be possible. Clearly, it should be teachable. If this is achievable, it can lead to performances that exceed the norm and hold value, even if only aesthetically!
The elite of the elite seem to access Gestalt effortlessly and sustain it. So, what distinguishes their approach? Because their mastery of the parts is good enough win without them having to give them any attention, even when tired, they put all their attention on to the connections between the parts. They engage with Gestalt to keep it interesting. As a result many coaches players will do Gestalt connection after they have mastered the parts. This not only misrepresents the facts, but it also restricts access to Gestalt. When perfecting parts, we measure them. When we lockdown on a measurement between two parts, we turn two parts into a single part and limit the two parts to the sum of the parts, thus obstructing access to Gestalt. Training Gestalt, for those who are not the elite of the elite, involves maintaining focus on the dynamic connections between all parts, even when we know, especially when we know, we can’t execute all the parts flawlessly. The resulting gestalt of connection puts us on a learning curve where we achieve performance greater than the sum of our currently ineffective parts, and that will speed up the process of learning to execute the parts better.
In sport and in life, we must all continually train our *Gestalt*, as the increasing capacity of technology to measure performance metrics often shifts our focus back to perfecting parts.
Our ability to apply Gestalt to sports is not limited to studying elite performers, who frequently engage in Gestalt intuitively. Instead, we draw upon 15 years of experience teaching autistic children and adults how to access Gestalt.
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All-ability adults play Basketball (3)
Sun 15 Mar
|Watford
We get you to focus on the connection between the parts. To look for opportunities to step in and offer previously unseen alternatives as someone’s options begin to dwindle. This fosters a creative environment where everyone succeeds by exploring the unknown. We share a connection of Gestalt.
Time & Location
15 Mar 2026, 18:45 – 19:45
Watford, Bushey Grove Leisure Centre, Aldenham Rd, Watford, Bushey WD23 2TD, UK
About the event
The app - It is easier to book on using our app which you can get by going to your phone's app store, search for wix.com app called Spaces. Download. And then enter this code QTKFDS
Don't let a lack of money stop you from coming. We have free tickets. Contact jon.thorne@LifeSkills21.club you don't need to explain - He will give you the code.
Tickets
Let's play
We believe that financial constraints should not prevent anyone from playing. However, if you are able to, please pay the full price, as this helps us remain open and provides free or discounted tickets for many players. Our goal is not to make a profit; rather, we need to cover the costs of the courts so we can stay open.
£7.50
Pay what you can
We believe that financial constraints should not prevent anyone from playing. However, if you are able to, please pay the full price, as this helps us remain open and provides free or discounted tickets for many players. Our goal is not to make a profit; rather, we need to cover the costs of the courts so we can stay open.
£+Ticket service fee
Total
£0.00
SkillsofWow.org is the governing body for those who coach the skills of Wow.