Case Studies Team Activity

Case Studies Team Activity

A starter gets hurt. The backup steps in and plays well. The starter heals up and wants their spot back. Who plays?

There's no clean answer, and that's exactly why this case study is one of the most useful conversations you can have with your team. Break players into groups, hand them real scenarios like this one, and let them debate who should start. It builds their empathy for the decisions you make every single week.

The Case Study Activity helps players:

• Prioritize team values over individual desires (winning, talent, commitment, culture).

• Recognize the complexity behind coaching decisions and playing time.

• Build empathy for the coaches who must make these hard choices.

• Lay out how you hope to determine playing time decisions in the year.

Important: Players do not set team policy—you are always the final decision-maker. However, this activity gives them the perspective required to buy into your choices when the season gets tough.

Overview

• Time Required: 20–30 minutes.

• Environment: Works perfectly in person or over Zoom (using breakout rooms).

• Primary Outcome: Creates immediate player empathy, self-awareness, and cultural buy-in.

✨ Key Takeaway: The Case Study Activity primes your team to accept your playing time system because they have just wrestled with the exact same agonizing decisions you face every week.

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