Michelangelo sculpted with his right hand, but painted with his left. Imagine if he had never discovered that he could create masterpieces with his left hand. What if someone had told him: “No, boy, you are a sculptor, not a painter.” Then we might never have had the Sistine Chapel.

How often do we do that as coaches? A center forward doesn’t have to pass, a setter doesn’t have to attack. So they rarely train that. But a tall center could be a great outside forward—if he learns to pass. A setter with a strong jumping ability could be a dangerous attacker—if he ever gets a chance to hit.

The problem is: they don’t get that chance. Middle forwards are kept out of passing and setters rarely practice their offense. But what if you break that? What if you challenge players to also practice the skills that are supposedly ‘out of position’?

Not only do players discover unexpected talents, they also gain a better understanding of what their teammates are doing. A playmaker who has attacked himself has a better sense of what an attacker needs. A center who has practiced passing understands why the pass is not always optimal. This leads to greater understanding, better teamwork and a stronger sense of timing and coordination.

Maybe they'll discover a talent no one knew existed, just as Michelangelo may never have imagined he could change the world with his left hand.