The Sport Psych Show #324 Ray Power - Adapting Your Coaching Style to the Needs of the Team
Jul 21, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Ray Power, a renowned coach developer and best-selling author, shares insights from his extensive soccer coaching experience, including his role as Technical Director of a major academy in South Asia. He emphasizes the importance of empathy in coaching, using real-life anecdotes from Bangladesh. Listeners learn about adapting coaching styles to team dynamics and the cultural significance of football in the region, contrasting it with cricket. Ray also highlights how strong relationships in coaching lead to better player development.
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Empathy in Coaching Players
- Ray Power watches for players' body language and feelings to adapt his coaching approach.
- He constantly tries to step into others' shoes to make their experience better.
Empathy Isn't Just Softness
- Empathy is often misunderstood as just kindness and softness in coaching.
- It sometimes requires being direct and tough to help players improve.
Developing Coach Empathy Skills
- Encourage coaches to open their senses and truly listen beyond words.
- Develop empathy by paying attention to players' feelings and situations during sessions.
