Micah Lancaster - April 15, 2025
The Real Definition of Skill:
Why the Research Isn’t Saying What You Think
IFyou’ve spent any time in basketball development circles, you’ve probably heard the phrase: “The research is clear—skills emerge best through the game.”
It sounds definitive. But here’s the problem: we’re not all using the word “skill” the same way. And that changes everything.In fact, when someone says “skills emerge through the game,” they might as well be speaking French.Because when they say skill, they’re talking about the ability to make decisions and respond in context. We’re talking about movement, technique, and ability.Same word. Two different worlds.
Does research prove that skills "emerge" through play?
Let’s make something clear: just because researchers have chosen to define skill as decision-making/performance, doesn’t mean skill is actually defined that way. It’s not a law of sports—it’s a label.
A label made by researchers and professors, not by basketball trainers or coaches.
So when they say, “Research proves that skills emerge through play,” they’re only proving it by their own definition of skill.
And here’s the best way to understand what’s happening: Imagine drinking a soda labeled “natural cola.” You think it’s healthier—until you check the label. Turns out, it’s just Diet Coke with a fancy name.That’s what’s happening here. They’re serving you decision-making and performance, but labeling it as skill acquisition. And unless you read the fine print, you won’t even notice the switch.
The truly skilled can do it on purpose
Now let’s take it back to basketball. A player runs full speed, throws up a wild layup… and it goes in. The crowd cheers. The defender shakes their head. And the coach nods—“Nice finish.” But was it skill? Or was it chance?
The ball went in… but what actually improved? Was it the footwork? The extension of the elbow? The control of the body? Or did they just find a way to get by?
The real question isn’t whether that moment was skillful. It’s whether they can repeat that type of outcome.
Anyone can make a wild layup now and then. But the truly skilled? They can often do it on purpose. And they can do it often.That consistency doesn’t come from guessing or chance—it comes from having trained the technique behind it. From being held accountable to repeatable mechanics.
From refining footwork, angles, timing, and control so thoroughly that the outcome stops being a surprise and starts being expected. That’s why in Technique-Driven Skill Enhancement, we call the research what it really is: Decision-Making Acquisition. Valuable? Absolutely. But it’s not skill acquisition.
Because in real training, skill isn’t just about reacting. Skill is the combination of technique and ability.So maybe the issue isn’t the research… it’s that we’re not even speaking the same language.And if we want real development—we need to start by getting clear about what skill actually is.According to Technique-Driven Skill Enhancement, "a skill in basketball is the proficient execution of one or more techniques and abilities, emphasizing their effective execution and practical usefulness within the game." And there is absolutely no scientific evidence that can refute that.
Ready to Go Deeper?
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For years, skill acquisition theories like CLA, Differential Learning, and Traditional Information Processing have been presented as if they were the only options. But skill acquisition isn’t limited to just these models.After years of intensive research and development, we've built a scientifically complemented Nonlinear Checklist Approach—a system that redefines how players enhance skills.
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If you’re ready to understand the details, the methodology, and the science behind real skill enhancement—Technique-Driven Skill Enhancement is for you.
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Article credit: Heidi Cohen (https://heidicohen.com/use-blog-to-sell/)
