Rewiring the Way We Learn: What a Backwards Bicycle Taught Me About Coaching

In sports, we often talk about tradition, grit, and sticking to what works. But sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come when we dare to challenge what we think we know. That’s why I keep coming back to a fascinating story—one that’s not even from the rink, but has everything to do with how we grow as athletes and coaches.

I’m talking about the backward bicycle experiment from Destin Sandlin of Smarter Every Day. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend taking a few minutes to watch this video. It’s the perfect metaphor for what it means to break habits, rethink our approach, and embrace change—even when it feels impossible.

The Reality of Change in Sport

Every season, I work with thousands of coaches and players through the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program. And no matter the level—beginner to elite—the hardest thing to do isn’t learning a new drill or system. It’s letting go of an old one.

Why? Because we’re wired for comfort and efficiency. Once a habit is set—whether it’s the way a defenseman pivots, a goalie sets their hands, or a coach runs practice—it becomes second nature. Changing that? It feels awkward, frustrating, and slow. Just like riding a bike… where turning right suddenly makes you go left.

That’s exactly what happened to Destin. As an engineer, he understood the mechanics. But knowing something intellectually and being able to do it—especially under pressure—are two very different things. That’s the challenge we face in sports every day.

Learning to Unlearn

Destin’s experiment with the backwards bike wasn’t just about balance. It was about unlearning—one of the hardest skills in high-performance environments. Watching him fall again and again reminds me of what players go through when asked to change a technique they’ve used for years.

That’s why I’m glad this story was included in the USA Hockey coaching curriculum. It opens the door to conversations that matter—about change, mindset, and what it really takes to help players evolve. And honestly, I learn just as much from the discussions I have with other coaches as I do from teaching them. Those shared insights, stories, and perspectives sharpen all of us.

What This Means for Us

Whether you’re a player trying to learn a new shooting technique, or a coach implementing a different team culture, you need three things:

Belief – You have to trust the process.
Persistence – You’re going to fall. A lot.
Time – Real change doesn’t happen overnight.

The payoff? New habits, better performance, and a mindset that welcomes growth over comfort.

Change is uncomfortable. But as Destin’s backwards bike proves, it’s also completely possible—if you’re willing to stick with it. So the next time something feels hard, awkward, or downright impossible, remember: that’s not failure. That’s your brain learning.

As coaches, we owe it to our players (and ourselves) to keep pushing forward—even when the handlebars feel all wrong.

A Call to Action

As leaders in the sports communities we serve, coaches have a unique opportunity to inspire and guide others in their pursuit of growth. Destin’s experiment is a testament to the potential within all of us to achieve new ways of thinking and embrace the extraordinary. Even the most stubborn habits can be rewired with enough consistent dedication and practice.

SmarterEveryday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFzDaBzBlL0&t=0s

-K