1:22 - What kind of traits define the most effective leaders? 4:54 - What kind of traits are more “myth” than actually useful for great leaders? 7:02 - How do leaders successfully build trust from their coaching staff and their teammates? 8:55 - Given Sean’s belief in having a solid vision for a team, how can leaders clarify their thoughts or plans for the future? 10:57 - How can leaders adapt to different situations while still staying true to their original vision? 13:58 - Can decision making ...
Aug 11, 2022•32 min•Season 5Ep. 210
1:26 - A little bit about Sean’s background and how it connects to the story of his recently published book. Find his book on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/If-Gold-Our-Destiny-Mavericks/dp/1538154854 6:28 - Describing Sean’s father’s profession and how it differs from modern day sports psychology. 9:09 - Explaining the backstory of the “Outward Bound experience” as mentioned in Sean’s book. 16:19 - Sean’s tips for coaches looking to replicate a similar experience and create a stronger team...
Aug 04, 2022•37 min•Season 5Ep. 209
1:39 - Outlining the benefits and drawbacks of specialization and generalization in sports. 4:28 - To prevent the physical and mental “burn out” of a dedicated athlete, is it beneficial to try spending time playing a similar sport to their main one? (e.g. volleyball and tennis, basketball and soccer). 6:05 - Even at the college level is there a benefit to practicing a “donor” sport in the offseason? 8:43 - While certain physical skills and movements would not be transferable to the main sport fr...
Jul 28, 2022•31 min•Season 5Ep. 208
1:17 - Introducing Joe and explaining how he started becoming heavily invested in the fields of skill acquisition, talent identification, and athlete development. 3:22 - Why do coaches and scouts as a whole struggle with talent identification? 4:47 - Why is it important for coaches to recognize and acknowledge that because humans lack the ability to map out long term decisions, identifying successful athletes will also be difficult? 6:42 - Do most coaches think that either they or others are ski...
Jul 21, 2022•31 min•Season 5Ep. 207
1:23 - Thoughts on what the basis of in-game feedback should be (based on what the coaches think their players need vs. based on what the players want). 2:04 - Should feedback be given based on past success? 3:42 - Defining “guided discovery” and what role it should play when giving feedback. 9:41 - Will forcing athletes to describe concepts and techniques in their own words create a better understanding? 10:57 - Reflecting on Jamie Morrison’s episode on storytelling, how often does Andrew find ...
Jul 14, 2022•37 min•Season 5Ep. 206
1:56 - Introducing today's topic: Feedback (Chapter 4 of the CYBO book). 2:08 - What is effective feedback? 2:59 - In terms of feedback, does “guiding” imply that the athlete is guided to only one solution? Or is it more flexible? 3:36 - How can coaches determine if an athlete is ready to receive feedback? 5:45 - Are TV’s and other video playback devices valuable in giving effective feedback? 7:04 - Should athletes be intentionally directed to watch video feedback? Or should coaches put less emp...
Jul 07, 2022•31 min•Season 5Ep. 205
1:24 - Applying “directness” to communication between Russ and his players. 2:56 - In Russ’ experience, has being direct with his athletes ever backfired? 4:51 - Has there ever been a time where Russ has avoided being direct? 7:48 - Does Russ communicate differently with a group of athletes compared to individuals? And how does he adjust? 10:05 - What kind of messages should coaches communicate to their athletes when they are successful (e.g. winning streak, defending champions). 14:06 - How did...
Jun 30, 2022•32 min•Season 5Ep. 204
1:06 - Introducing Russ, and his legacy as former head coach of the Penn State women's volleyball program. 1:27 - What Russ will miss the most about coaching volleyball at Penn State. 5:33 - Russ’ thoughts on if the strong desire to win can be a developed quality, or if it has to already exist in potential recruits. 7:05 - What can coaches do to develop competitiveness in their players? 9:13 - How can volleyball players and coaches find and develop a balance of being competitive, but also enjoyi...
Jun 23, 2022•40 min•Season 5Ep. 203
1:30 - Based on what Andy has seen so far, what are his expectations for the Pirates this season? 2:41 - Will Andy travel with the players this year, or continue working with the coaches on the mental side? 3:18 - What are environmental constraints, and how can they be used? 6:56 - Explaining the differences between “task” and “environment” 11:43 - Using the example of a high net vs. a low net to explain these ideas. 16:49 - In baseball practices, are environmental constraints used purposefully?...
Jun 16, 2022•32 min•Season 5Ep. 203
1:04 - What are pre-mortems and post-mortems and where did they come from? Note: this idea is also referenced by Angie Akers in this previous CYBO episode: https://www.blog.goldmedalsquared.com/podcast/episode/3c92044d/preparing-for-the-olympics-with-angie-akers 4:05 - John’s thoughts on what the most important principles coaches should understand or learn before implementing pre-mortem exercises. 9:38 - Given the maturity needed to properly execute pre-mortem exercises, at what age group can be...
Jun 09, 2022•46 min•Season 5Ep. 202
1:09 - Segwaying into this second part, John dives into the second scenario, and explains how it contrasts the scenario with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Showcasing autonomy within the team huddle 2:43 - John’s thoughts on what the coach’s role should be in terms of creating team support and raising morale. 4:24 - Benefits of giving the players/team more autonomy in situations like the Cavaliers and Warriors scenarios. “Players play the game” 8:16 - Based on Steve Kerr’s method of supporting the War...
Jun 02, 2022•31 min•Season 5Ep. 201
1:30 - John’s role in the Olympic process, and which teams he is currently working with. 3:27 - Common themes or occurrences John has noticed within high level teams that he has worked with. 8:24 - How and why do these themes occur in these scenarios? “Beginning with the end in mind” - determining the purpose of and goals of the team 10:46 - Diving into specific scenarios, particularly one from when LeBron James was playing in the 2018 NBA Playoffs with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Specifically anal...
May 26, 2022•25 min•Season 5Ep. 200
1:14 - The most important recovery principles that coaches should understand. Building blocks of recovery 3:36 - Why sleep is so important in the recovery process. 7:56 - Given a 10 minute daily period spent focused on recovery, what are the most important principles that athletes should prioritize. Geared individually - the most effective recovery methods are different for each person 11:43 - Beau’s recommendations for recovery tools. 14:39 - Beau’s issues with most “healers” and “gurus” in the...
May 19, 2022•33 min•Season 5Ep. 199
1:25 - Describing Beau’s experience winning the Super Bowl as a chiropractor for the Los Angeles Rams. 2:53 - Recalling how Beau started working with the Rams. 5:02 - Describing Beau’s “three week tryout” period with the Rams. 6:36 - Beau’s perspective and observations about the Rams’ culture that helps them be successful. “We not me” culture 9:36 - Examples of the “we not me” culture implemented in the Rams. 11:00 - How does the Rams’ coaching stand out from the rest? What is done to make it be...
May 12, 2022•27 min•Season 5Ep. 198
1:11 - Exciting news for Kasey. 1:56 - Trying to keep ecological dynamics as a part of Kasey’s coaching style. Guiding set of principles 3:45 - Introduction to visual occlusion. Anticipating faster 7:51 - Explaining Gaze behavior and how visual occlusion is used to help develop it. Active v. passive gaze Intercepting objects 10:08 - Why should athletes take time away from studying and visualizing patterns of movements? 11:32 - Finding better information by occluding everything else besides a spe...
May 05, 2022•30 min•Season 5Ep. 197
1:58 - Convincing younger athletes to be open to taking the longer, but more self-fulfilling route of discovery Lauren described in the last episode. 4:43 - Why is impostor syndrome so common in even successful athletes? Explaining it in the context of athletics Possibly American athletic culture contributing to it? 7:32 - What does Lauren mean by “examining the value of your work” and why is it important for athletes? Performance = connection and ease 10:24 - How coaches can effectively guide a...
Apr 28, 2022•27 min•Season 5Ep. 196
1:20 - A little bit about Lauren’s swimming career. 2:53 - Lauren’s breakthrough moment, and how she transitioned to help athletes with their mental game. 4:12 - Describing the first conversation/meeting with an athlete. Getting athletes to open up 5:48 - What aspects do athletes tend to need the most help with? 7:10 - Where does confidence come from, and how does Lauren instill that within other athletes? 8:53 - How Lauren helps athletes find their identity and also maintain it steadily through...
Apr 21, 2022•29 min•Season 5Ep. 195
1:26 - Diving into Jon’s idea of WIPs (weekly improvement plans) that were introduced in Episode 1. Are they always 1-on-1 or are they group meetings? 6:08 - Whiteboard where Jon’s players write their two mechanical or technical skills as well as their mental skill. 8:23 - Example of an effective practice focus suggested by players compared to one that is less coachable. 10:24 - Particular stats that Jon prioritizes in meetings. 12:56 - Spending time with starters vs. spending time with non-star...
Apr 14, 2022•42 min•Season 5Ep. 194
Newman (episode 1) 1:26 - A little bit about John’s experience in the last 3 years as the 10th head coach of the women’s volleyball program at The University of New Mexico. Originally an assistant coach - transitioned into a bigger role Transitioning from specializing in a certain skill area to having a role in every aspect 3:24 - Important takeaways from the recent season where UNM had a record of 20-10. 4:55 - Will the beach volleyball program be reinstituted? 6:10 - Improving individual skill...
Apr 07, 2022•29 min•Season 5Ep. 193
1:28 - Andy’s primary focus of study, and what he has his PhD in. What he does for the Pittsburgh Pirates Motor Learning + Sports Psychology 2:45 - What is part vs. whole practice? Interconnected technique and skills Breaking down the parts of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony Connecting sports and musical analogies 7:06 - If you mess up the first part, can you continue with the rest of the parts? 8:20 - How to emphasize certain skill areas without making whole practice too overwhelming for the athlete. ...
Mar 31, 2022•31 min•Season 5Ep. 192
1:30 - When asking athletes open-ended questions meant to stimulate their own thought, how important is it to leave them time/space to answer it? 2:34 - Guidelines for what kind of questions to ask. 4:33 - Effectively phrasing your questions. 5:30 - What can and should coaches do with the feedback from their questions. 7:04 - Examples of reflective listening. 8:42 - Working in listening techniques into daily conversation. 12:25 - Why is punishment not effective in the long term? 17:29 - When to ...
Mar 25, 2022•30 min•Season 5Ep. 191
2:50 - Introducing Dr. Fader and the topics of this episode. 3:46 - Becoming a better listener. 4:22 - What Dr. Fader hopes to accomplish with his book. 5:38 - Why many already existing programs are ineffective with helping people struggling with addiction. 6:10 - How to actively engage with people with feelings of ambivalence. 6:40 - Making trust and communication a skill that is actively taught to athletes. 10:04 - What kind of athlete would motivational interviewing be the most effective with...
Mar 17, 2022•33 min•Season 5Ep. 190
Filled with lessons on practice, competition, and mindset, The Inner Knight is a powerful tale for athletes, coaches, and anyone who wants to achieve greatness. Meridian Kay dreams of becoming a champion knight. But when her one passion in life is threatened, she flees home to prove herself in England’s Tournament of Champions. Alone in a foreign land, Meridian meets the one teacher who can help her achieve the impossible. “The Inner Knight is the best thing on learning I've ever read.” –Tom Bla...
Mar 10, 2022•29 min•Season 5Ep. 189
1:22 - Why Jamie prioritizes out of system attacking and how he uses storytelling to improve it. 3:34 - Common problems that teams face when out of system. 5:26 - Changing the mindset to be more explosive and aggressive attacking out of system. 6:48 - Prioritizing hand sets by having all back row players being able to set out of system. 8:12 - How Jamie teaches the “slow to fast” footwork using stories. 10:37 - Has Jamie’s stories stuck during the competition? 12:16 - What elements of out of sys...
Mar 03, 2022•29 min•Season 5Ep. 188
1:48 - How Jamie sets up successful presentations like he did at the AVCA Convention. 3:11 - How storytelling can teach skills effectively. 4:39 - Are analogies similar to stories, and are they equally effective? 4:47 - Confusion to “aha” moment in athletes. 5:50 - Going into depth on Jamie’s presentation about setting at the AVCA Convention. 7:16 - Explaining how Jamie used med-balls as part of his storytelling. 9:45 - Will stories still be remembered even months later? 11:00 - Why Jamie believ...
Feb 24, 2022•29 min•Season 5Ep. 187
0:55 - What Harjiv has learned from working with the Orlando Magic. Learning about basketball Working with data analytics + coaching staff Biomechanics 2:40 - Periodization of what we do, how we do it, and when we do it. Will practice really reflect game performance? Tracking specificity 6:58 - To develop an effective practice plan, start from “why are we doing this - finding the purpose. 7:47 - Combining skill acquisition with strength and conditioning. 8:27 - Compared to the traditional method...
Feb 17, 2022•31 min•Season 5Ep. 186
-Mindset and preparation -Focusing on what you can control -Mindfulness practice and self-talk -Training and trusting mindsets -Lessons learned from Coach Your Brains Out -Writing Check out Billy's books! https://www.amazon.com/Billy-Ketch-Allen/e/B07JCJ9Z9T Within The Game Podcast https://www.withinthegame.com/
Feb 10, 2022•46 min•Season 5Ep. 185
0:46 - Travis’ approach to blocking practices. Physicality is a big part of blocking. Training blocking technique to make up for lack of physicality. Maximizing the capabilities of your individual blockers. 3:16 - Effective blocking games Travis uses in practice. Eye sequencing. Verbalizing. 7:08 - Identifying the cause of errors through verbalization. 8:06 - “Late and right rather than early and wrong” 8:54 - Why Travis sometimes doesn’t want his pin blockers to swing block. 13:34 - Important t...
Feb 03, 2022•37 min•Season 5Ep. 184
1:31 - What Travis does in between seasons to sustain coaching success. Experience playing two seasons in one calendar year. 2:22 - Did playing two consecutive seasons bring about more injuries or physical issues? Not as much physical difficulty, but struggled with mentality. 3:39 - How Travis tackled mental health issues with his players. Ramping up communication, reducing stress. 5:04 - What team culture and coaching aspects has Travis implemented to have such a successful program? Truth, resp...
Jan 27, 2022•34 min•Season 5Ep. 183
-Scouting your own players -Embracing your role -Passion as a coach -Having hard conversations -Learning from Karch Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904 Support the show https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout GMS+ https://www.goldmedalsquared.com/cybo
Jan 20, 2022•27 min•Season 5Ep. 182
