#041 Rediscover Outdoor Sports This 4th of July

In my 20s, my outdoor basketball game transferred from the Minnesota lakes to the West 4th courts in New York City.

As a teenager, the 4th of July meant three things: fireworks, apple pie, and driveway basketball at my Uncle Larry’s lake cabin in Minnesota. The highlight of my summer was the annual 4th of July 3x3 game with my two older cousins against my dad and uncles.

Under the sun, on a half-swept driveway, with birds chirping, squirrels darting between trees, and the stiff lake breeze challenging my jump shot, these games were a coming-of-age experience. My dad and uncles played with a ferocity that made the ’80s Bad Boy Pistons look like choir boys. Finally defeating the “Bad Boy Uncles” was one of the highlights of my high school playing career.

But it wasn’t just about winning; it was the experience of playing in the “Mother Nature Arena.”

The Unfiltered Edge of Outdoor Play

While I love the pristine lighting, even surfaces, and crisp lines of indoor courts, there’s something undeniably pure about playing outdoors. The elements add a raw, unfiltered edge that you can’t replicate indoors. It’s like listening to music on vinyl—there’s a depth, a warmth, a connection to something greater.

These days, I spend a good amount of time working on sports technology. SportsVisio, one of my clients, is pushing the envelope in creating the future for athletes, coaches, and teams with innovative AI solutions. At the same time, my new startup, Remedy Sports, is taking a tech-first approach to transforming how sports officials find games, manage payments, and get certified.

In my attempt to shape the future of sports, my inspiration often comes from the past and the joy of playing sports in an outdoor environment. There’s something about being outside, away from the computer screens and indoor lights and floors, that fuels creativity.

Nature: The Ultimate Creative Catalyst

Research backs this up: studies have shown that spending time in nature can boost creative problem-solving and enhance cognitive function. A 2012 study found that participants scored 50% higher on creativity tests after spending four days in nature, disconnected from technology.

Is creativity rooted in the essence of sports found in nature, rather than the antiseptic environment of an indoor facility?

I believe so.

Playing outdoors brings an authenticity that indoor courts can't match. The sun, the breeze, and the natural imperfections of the ground all contribute to an experience that’s both grounding and invigorating. It's a reminder of the game's purest and most beautiful form.

This 4th of July: Take It Outside

As we approach the 4th of July, I encourage you to take your game outside. Embrace the sun, the breeze, and the imperfections that nature provides. Let the environment become your arena, and find inspiration in the simplicity and authenticity of outdoor sports.

Whether it’s a game of basketball in the driveway, a soccer match in the park, or a friendly volleyball game on the beach, there’s magic in playing outside. Connect with nature, with your friends and family, and with the roots of the game. Find the creativity that blooms under the open sky and let it inspire you.

Every year, to honor the memory of my dad, who passed on the 4th of July 23 years ago, I play sports outside in the environment that created so many lasting memories for us both. It’s a way to reflect, remember, and reconnect with the essence of what makes sports truly special.

Happy 4th of July from the Arlts—enjoy the fireworks, the apple pie, and most importantly, the joy of playing sports outside.

Note: A portion of this post originally appeared in SportsVisio’s The Lens newsletter. Subscribe to The Lens on SportsVisio's website.