THINKING SPORTS: NFL, NASCAR, NBA, NHL, MLB and more...

Thinking Sports

by G. Wayne Miller and  Stephen M. Kosslyn

>> Are you a Mover? Stimulator? Perceiver? Adaptor? Take the test! <<

Ever wonder why two professional sports players of arguably equal and great talent wind up with such different results? For example, veteran NASCAR Sprint Cup champions Matt Kenseth, a model of consistency, and Kurt Busch, whose career has followed an erratic path?

Or why, beyond their different skill sets, is an athlete like Tom Brady so natural as the quarterback of the New England Patriots whereas a Stephen Gostkowksi is content to play a supporting role -- albeit an important one?

Or how during the World Series Red Sox catcher David Ross could so easily step in for the poor-hitting starter Jarrod Saltalamacchia – and so seamlessly pair with ace pitcher Jon Lester to send the Sox back with a 3-2 Fall Classic lead from St. Louis to Fenway, where he paired with John Lackey to help bring Boston its third world championship in nine years?

We suggest an answer may be found in a new theory of psychology – in our new Theory of Cognitive Modes, which we for the first time in TOP BRAIN, BOTTOM BRAIN: Surprising Insights Into How You Think, published by Simon & Schuster on Nov. 5.

Based on decades of research that so far has largely remained inside scientific circles, the theory is based on an often overlooked anatomical division of the brain: into its top and bottom parts (we explain in the book why the popular left brain/right brain story has no substantial basis in science). According to our theory, the top and bottom systems of the brain carry out different functions. The top system sets up plans, controls movements, registers changes in where objects are located in space, and revises plans as actual results of the plan unfold. The bottom system classifies and interprets what we perceive. The neuroscience behind this is more detailed, of course, but in a nutshell, those are fundamental facts about how the brain really works.

All of us use both parts of the brain, but we vary in the extent to which we tend to rely on each system for functions that are optional -- are not dictated by current circumstances, such as what you do when walking from your bedroom to the kitchen. Nothing in the external environment forces you to make detailed and subtle plans, or to ponder the meaning of something in your mind—these sorts of optional functions are up to you, whether you’re a carpenter, a librarian or an athlete.

Four Modes of Performance

Our theory defines four cognitive modes, depending on how much a person uses the top and bottom brains in optional ways.

-- MOVER MODE results when a person uses both the bottom and top systems in optional ways. People who habitually rely on Mover Mode typically are leaders, and prefer situations in which they can plan, act, and be able to react to the consequences of what they do, according to our theory.

Does this not characterize Brady (or any good quarterback, for that matter)? Watch how he reads a defense, executes a play, and reacts if a play goes awry. We would argue that Kenseth, Rookie of the Year in 2000, and 2003 champion in NASCAR’s top series – a 31-race career winner and Cup Chase leader going into the November 3 AAA Texas 500 – also fits this profile. Watch him make pit stops at Bristol, or steer his way out of trouble at Talladega. He plans, acts, and reacts properly to ever-changing conditions on the track and on pit row.

In basketball, point guards frequently display this same leadership behavior. Think Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers as a good example, and also the San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker. Centers in pro hockey often exemplify Mover behavior. Sidney Crosby, captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins fits the description (no coincidence that someone who operate in Mover Mode would be captain, by the way). Among retired players, Wayne Gretzky, arguably the greatest hockey player ever, consistently showed Mover Mode tendencies on the ice.

-- STIMULATOR MODE results when a person uses the top system in optional ways -- but not the bottom. Someone relying on Stimulator Mode may come up with original and intricate plans, but because they don’t adjust their plans well based on feedback, they may stick with their own plans too long and can interfere with others' plans, according to our theory. 

NASCAR driver Kurt Busch seems to typify this type of behavior. The 2004 champion, Busch has unquestionable talent and when he gets behind the wheel, he certainly has a plan: win. But when others get in the way of that plan, and that is a given in motor racing, he sometimes reacts in self-defeating fashion. His altercations with other drivers are legendary: the Busch Wikipedia entry includes pages of events labeled “Controversies.” These disruptions are part of the reason he has raced for four different owners since his rookie year, 2001. 

Other sports professionals who demonstrate Stimulator behavior include the Celtics’ Rajon Rondo and retired tennis great John McEnroe, whose tantrums and outbursts are legendary. Their athleticism remains unchallenged, but their disruptive behaviors sometimes have overshadowed their performances.

-- PERCEIVER MODE results when a person uses the bottom system in optional ways -- but not the top system in such ways. People who habitually rely on Perceiver Mode should try to significantly understand what they perceive, placing their experiences into context and finding the implications of such experiences, according to our theory. Wisdom seems to come naturally.

During his many years behind the plate, the Sox’ Ross, 36, has demonstrated exceptional poise and baseball smarts, on-field and off, serving as a mentor for younger player. Boston globe writer Nick Cafardo perhaps put it best when he wrote of Ross “orchestrating Jon Lester to a brilliant performance in a 3-1 win over the Cardinals” in Game 5 of this year’s World Series." “He rarely makes mistakes, and calls a great game,” Cafardo wrote. The same can be said for other superb catchers. The Sox’ Carlton Fisk and the Yankees’ Yogi Berra, who called Don Larsen to a perfect game in the 1956 series, immediately come to mind.

Although they must have lightning-quick reflexes, the best soccer keepers show Perceiver behavior as they analyze the action in front of them. So, too, with the finest hockey goalies. Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers and the Los Angeles Kings’ Jonathan Quick likely would not have achieved greatness without demonstrating Perceiver thinking.

-- ADAPTOR MODE results when a person uses neither the top or bottom system in optional ways. When thinking in this mode, a person does not become absorbed in creating new plans and doesn't spend much time trying to understand their experiences in significant depth. Nonetheless, they can be valuable team members, because they can easily conform to others' plans, according to our theory.

How many of the best linemen in football fit this description? Or “supporting” players on any team, for that matter? The Pats’ Gostkowksi typifies Adaptor Mode thinking and behavior, as does Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat shooting guard.

Balance, Teamwork

Love or hate them, the New England Patriots – with their five Superbowl appearances (three wins) and nine divisional playoff games (seven wins) – in the last dozen years have certainly established themselves as one of the dominant NFL teams of our time. Smart drafting, managing and coaching (not to mention a hefty payroll) deserve much of the credit. So, too, the abilities and skills of Patriots players. 

But New England is hardly the only team with such attributes. Another factor in the Pats’ winning mix, we would argue, has been how the team has achieved balance among the four Cognitive Modes -- with strengths complementing weaknesses. We propose that a complex enterprise – and a football team certainly fits that description – may function best when such balance is maintained.

So when the whole team is considered, we find that, like his quarterback Brady, head coach Bill Belichick almost always acts in Mover Mode.

Over the years, his assistant coaches have typically exemplified Perceiver Mode: analyzing and interpreting, and making sure their boss benefits from their perceptions. Past and present, we find other examples of Mover Mode behavior in the actions of Patriots’ middle linebacker: notably the two-time All-Pro Tedy Bruschi, and the starter at that position now, Brandon Spikes.

Leading the list of players who have seemed to exemplify Stimulator behavior is former wide receiver Randy Moss, an explosive player who, like Kurt Busch, has not always registered the consequences of his actions, on and off the field.

The list of Patriots Adaptors is long. Their names aren’t always in the headlines, like the quarterback, running backs and wide receivers who make the big plays -- but players such as left guard Logan Mankins, five-time Pro Bowler, with the team since his rookie year, 2005, and defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, with the team since 2004, have been the glue keeping the Patriots together. Never underestimate the importance of team players.

What does it mean for you?

We did not test any of these people to assess their preference for Mover, Stimulator, Perceiver or Adaptor Mode thinking. We made our best judgments from afar, based on their public behavior.

But had they consented, they could have taken a scientifically validated, 20-question test that we offer in the book -- and online, at www.TopBrainBottomBrain.com -- that determines an individual’s dominant mode.

You can take it, too. And whether you are an athlete or a coach, seeking to better understand your own and others’ sports behaviors -- or someone seeking to improve your understanding of  you own behaviors and those in your world, the insights gleaned could be useful. They could apply to your relationships at work, at home and in your social life.

As basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said: “One man can be a crucial ingredient on a team, but one man cannot make a team.”

G. Wayne Miller is an author, filmmaker and Providence (R.I.) Journal staff writer. Visit him at www.gwaynemiller.com. Stephen M. Kosslyn is a cognitive neuroscientist and was professor of psychology at Harvard University for over 30 years; he now serves as the founding dean of the Minerva Schools at the Keck Graduate Institute.