John Bloom on Insights from Expert Coaches (EP358)
Feb 12, 2025
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In this engaging conversation, sports performance coach John Bloom, founder of Elevated Athlete Development LLC and author of "Strength In Numbers," shares invaluable insights from over 100 elite coaches. He delves into the importance of holistic athlete development and the need for self-care among coaches. Bloom introduces the 'pirate map' for stress management and highlights the role of struggles in coaching growth. He also discusses the significance of mentorship and diverse experiences in shaping effective coaching practices.
John Bloom stresses the importance of a holistic approach to athlete development, addressing physical, mental, emotional, and social needs simultaneously.
Mentorship is critical in coaching, as Bloom advocates for a 'personal board of directors' to provide diverse insights and support for growth.
Career periodization helps coaches evaluate their professional trajectory by assessing pay, progression, personal life, and purpose at different life stages.
Deep dives
Holistic Development in Coaching
John Bloom emphasizes the significance of a holistic approach to athlete development, where coaches must prioritize not only the physical aspects of training but also the mental, emotional, and social needs of their athletes. He believes that to serve athletes effectively, coaches must first invest in their own personal well-being and development, as they cannot pour from an empty cup. Bloom shares insights from various coaches who have experienced burnout and stress, highlighting the necessity for self-care and continuous growth in order to provide the best support to their athletes. This concept is underscored by the idea that enhancing one’s own capabilities leads to greater service and impact within coaching.
The Importance of Mentorship
Mentorship emerges as a central theme in Bloom's discussion, where he advocates for the creation of a 'personal board of directors' made up of individuals who provide support, insights, and advice across different areas of a coach's life. Coaches are encouraged to seek out mentors who are not only knowledgeable but also willing to invest in the mentee's growth and development. Bloom highlights the diversity of perspectives that come from having mentors who specialize in various fields, thus enriching a coach's understanding and approach. This tailored mentorship structure is essential for personal and professional growth, allowing coaches to reflect on their values and goals in their careers.
Career Periodization for Coaches
Bloom discusses the concept of career periodization, where coaches are encouraged to understand and align their career decisions with different life stages and personal priorities. Many coaches shared frameworks such as the four Ps—pay, progression, personal life, and purpose—that aid in evaluating job satisfaction and career direction based on what matters most at a given time. This structured approach helps coaches determine if they should seek new opportunities or focus on strengthening their current situations. By understanding their career's ebb and flow, coaches can make informed choices that lead to overall satisfaction and fulfillment in their professional journey.
The Role of Clarity and Communication
Establishing clarity in roles and expectations is vital for both coaches and athletes, as noted by Bloom and the coaches featured in the conversation. Effective communication about goals, responsibilities, and values fosters an environment where everyone understands their contributions and how they fit into the larger team framework. For instance, a strength coach might excel at preparing players for one style of play but must align their training with the head coach’s vision to ensure success. Open lines of communication help eliminate confusion and enhance collaborative efforts among coaching staff, ultimately leading to improved team performance.
Building a Sense of Community
Creating a cohesive team culture that balances individual aspirations with collective goals is fundamental to coaching success, according to Bloom. In a competitive environment where personal statistics often take precedence, it is crucial to foster a community that values collaboration and teamwork. Coaches are challenged to align individual ambitions with team objectives, thereby demonstrating that individual success often stems from the team's achievements. By cultivating this sense of belonging among athletes, coaches can ensure that players are motivated not only for personal gain but also for the betterment of the team as a whole.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, sports performance coach John Bloom joins The Basketball Podcast to discuss strength in numbers.
John Bloom has worked as a sports performance coach at Abilene Christian University, Weber State, Texas Tech, and Oral Roberts before founding Elevated Athlete Development LLC. John's mission is to provide holistic development for athletes while creating platforms for coaches to learn, connect, and build.
At Oral Roberts University, he served as the Director of the Sports Performance Department and Head of Men's Basketball. Prior to that, he was the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Men's Basketball at Texas Tech University. John also contributed as the Director of Sports Performance for Men's and Women's Basketball at Weber State University. His journey began at Abilene Christian University, where he was the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, responsible for Women's Basketball, Indoor/Beach Volleyball, and Men's Golf, while also assisting with Men's Basketball, Football, and Tennis.
Bloom’s book, "Strength In Numbers: An Encyclopedia of Authentic Coaching Wisdom", uncovers career-defining insights from over 100 elite coaches across all levels, from high school to professional sports. Strength In Numbers is your essential guide to building a successful, impactful coaching career.
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