We often played Frisbee during track practice and goofed around. We really liked that guy. We also lost every meet. A coach who doesn't challenge the players to do better isn't helping them to get stronger. Seriously, it is difficult to strike a balance between not being a gatekeeper but not encouraging weakness.
Journals are good.
I stay away from in-class essays. It is also very difficult to grade in class essays with consistency from student to student. Very few students get a lower grade in my class than they have for a general grade point average. I had her repeat it to the class, who clarified for her just what she was saying. He came to my office, complaining.