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The Sports Initiative Podcast

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Aug 1, 2024 • 49min

180 - Daniel Sellitti -How Puerto Rico plan success on the biggest stage!

Daniel Sellitti is Sporting Director at the Puerto Rico Football Association. Roles and Challenges in Soccer- 0:12Daniel Sellitti explains his dual roles in the soccer world, emphasizing the interplay between his positions at North Carolina FC and the Puerto Rico Football Federation. He delves into the complexities of the American soccer scene, discussing the cultural influences and the challenges faced by clubs in different states. Sellitti also highlights the importance of creating opportunities for players and the unique characteristics of the soccer landscape in North Carolina.Discussion on Multi-Sport Background and Specialization - 8:34Daniel and Michael delve into the complexities of managing multi-sport backgrounds in youth athletes, addressing the balance between high performance potential and participation for enjoyment. They explore the impact of family background and the benefits of early exposure to different sports on athletic development.Discussion on the Development of Soccer in Puerto Rico - 12:43Daniel Sellitti explains the growing popularity of soccer in Puerto Rico and its historical context compared to other sports in the region. Michael Wright shares his observations on the cultural influence of sports in different countries and the impact on their respective cultures, highlighting the unique integration of sports and culture in different regions.National Teams' Activities and Progress - 20:10Michael Wright and Daniel Sellitti provide an overview of the national teams' activities, highlighting the senior team's performance in CONCACAF, the men's team's potential qualification for the Gold Cup, and the women's team's recent achievements. They also discuss the upcoming tournaments and preparations for various age groups, including the U20s, U17s, U15s, and U14s.Approach to National Team Playing Styles and Staff Structure - 26:57Daniel Sellitti and Michael Wright delve into the playing styles and staff structure for the Puerto Rico national soccer teams. They highlight the possession-oriented and numerical overload approach for the men's team, while also discussing the women's team's defensive sophistication and counterattacking style. The conversation also touches on the staff's dedication and the common language used across different age groups.Contrasting Soccer Mentalities - 28:41Daniel Sellitti and Michael Wright delve into the cultural and philosophical differences in soccer mentalities between Puerto Rico and the UK, exploring the early emphasis on competition and winning in Puerto Rico, contrasting it with the non-competitive approach in the UK until the age of 18. They also touch on the influence of socioeconomic factors and the pay-to-play model in American soccer.Building Scouting Networks and Grassroots Football in Puerto Rico - 35:39Daniel Sellitti shares the process of building scouting networks and grassroots football in Puerto Rico, highlighting the recruitment of U.S.-based players with Puerto Rican heritage. He emphasizes the significance of fostering a sense of pride and unity among players representing Puerto Rico, regardless of their geographical location, and discusses the impact on the success of the initiative.Scouting and Player Identification Process -40:29Daniel Sellitti explains the scouting and identification process for players, involving volunteers and a vetting process to select the best players for the national teams. He also discusses the goal of establishing a US-based camp and federation hotels and fields for players during camps in Puerto Rico. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 18, 2024 • 1h 4min

179 - Eric Fawcett - Pattern recognition in Elite Basketball

Eric Fawcett is a coach for Edminton Stingers and a scouting consultant Introduction to Eric Fawcett- 0:14Michael Wright invites Eric Fawcett to introduce himself and his work as a basketball coach. Eric provides details about his role as a coach for the Edmonton Stingers in the Canadian Elite Basketball League and his remote consulting for Division 1 basketball teams in the NCAA. He emphasizes his focus on using team strategy, analytics, and global basketball strategies to gain an edge.Integrating Analytics into Coaching - 8:28Eric Fawcett explains that while some may label him as an "analytics guy," he sees analytics as a part of a bigger picture in coaching. He draws parallels with how analytics have become integral in other North American sports and emphasizes the need for coaches to be familiar with relevant numbers to make strategic decisions.Scouting Process and Data Analysis- 14:29Eric Fawcett discusses his scouting process, emphasizing the importance of using data and film analysis to understand how teams play. He outlines his approach of starting with a quick look at data, followed by a deep dive into film to study play types and strategies. Fawcett also addresses the challenge of identifying anomalies in the data and explains how he filters out irrelevant or misleading information to ensure accurate scouting.Defensive Strategies in Basketball- 25:33Michael Wright seeks guidance on training basketball teams to adapt to different defensive styles, drawing parallels to football tactics. Eric Fawcett emphasizes the need to view offensive strategies through the lens of different defensive approaches, such as man-to-man, switching, and zone defense. Strategic Scouting and Game Preparation-29:30Eric Fawcett and Michael Wright delve into the intricacies of opponent scouting and game preparation, emphasizing the need to prioritize key elements of opponent strategies and trends. Fawcett discusses the challenges of balancing time for on-court training and game preparation, while also exploring innovative methods, such as using film and social media platforms, to enhance player learning and preparation efficiency.Elite Players' Pattern Recognition- 41:25Eric Fawcett and Michael Wright delve into the pattern recognition abilities of high-level basketball players, highlighting how players like LeBron James and Rajon Rondo rely on their extensive basketball vocabulary and pattern recognition skills to make real-time adjustments during games. They also discuss the value of playing in games to develop pattern recognition skills and how to assess the transferability of plays and principles from lower-level leagues to higher levels.Contextualizing Basketball Strategies 45:36Eric Fawcett highlights the significance of analyzing defensive styles and levels of play in different basketball leagues to assess the effectiveness of offensive strategies. He explains how understanding the way teams guard pick and roll actions and approach offensive plays is crucial for determining the translation of strategies across leagues. Fawcett also emphasizes the value of watching basketball from various levels and styles to gain a comprehensive understanding of contextualizing strategies.Contrasting American and European Basketball Styles 48:59Michael Wright reminisces about the San Antonio Spurs' basketball style, attributing its success to the fluid ball movement and the contribution of non-North American players. Eric Fawcett delves into the differences between American and European basketball styles, emphasizing the stationary positioning in American basketball and the emphasis on movement to create space in European basketball. He also mentions Luka Doncic's perspective on the contrasting spacing in the NBA and EuroLeague. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 11, 2024 • 1h 7min

178 - Rob Simpson - Athletes can't be treated like robots

Rob Simpson is a Strength and Conditioning coach at Sale Sharks. In his role he works with a variety of athletes across age groups and focuses on their individual development in preparation for first team rugby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 4, 2024 • 55min

177 - Tim Baghurst - Coach education in the US

Tim Baghurst is a professor at Florida State University and Director of the FSU Coach programme.Coach Education and Qualifications -0:25Timothy Baghurst explains the purpose of the FSU Coach, an interdisciplinary center for athletic coaching, and its mission to support coaches and sports administrators with best practices. He discusses the history of coach education in different countries, particularly comparing the US and the UK, and the varying levels of structure and qualifications required for coaching roles.Importance of Supporting and Training Coaches - 11:28Timothy Baghurst raises concerns about the challenges coaches encounter, such as low pay and burnout, and stresses the importance of supporting and training them to address these issues. He suggests that providing training and financial support can incentivize coaches to stay in the sport, ultimately reducing turnover and the need to constantly fill coaching positions. Baghurst emphasizes the circular nature of the argument, stating that there is no obvious solution beyond incentivizing coaches to stay and requiring them to be licensed and trained.Qualifications and Opportunities for Collegiate Coaches- 14:41Michael Wright and Timothy Baghurst debate the qualifications and opportunities for collegiate coaches in American football, expressing concern over the emphasis on winning over student graduation. They discuss the lack of formal qualifications required and emphasize the significance of work experience and networking in securing coaching positions, highlighting the potential bias towards coaches from successful programs.The Importance of Connections in Coaching-18:09Timothy Baghurst shares a story about a coach who moved from a successful program to a less successful one and failed, highlighting the role of connections in coaching success. He emphasizes that qualifications alone are not enough and that connections and experiences play a significant role in getting coaching opportunities. Baghurst also mentions the importance of athletes and parents valuing a coach's experiences and connections over academic qualifications.Perspectives on Professional Development and Coaching Styles-25:33Michael Wright shares his insights on the value of professional certification for self-awareness and recognizing blind spots, drawing from his personal experience. Timothy Baghurst emphasizes the significance of ongoing professional development, stressing the need for standardized learning to maintain quality in coaching. The discussion also touches on different coaching styles and the impact of cultural differences on coaching approaches.Emphasizing the Importance of Coach Education-34:27Timothy Baghurst shares the story of a successful beach volleyball coach who demonstrated humility by pursuing a master's degree to improve her coaching skills, despite her previous success. He emphasizes the scarcity of coaches seeking assistance to improve their programs and highlights the significance of recognizing the need for growth in coaching. Baghurst also discusses the importance of prioritizing people over performance in coach education, emphasizing the impact of understanding and caring for athletes' well-being on their performance.Importance of Group Professional Development-48:20Timothy Baghurst stresses the significance of attending professional development as a group, highlighting the collective emphasis and understanding gained from such experiences. He shares a story of a coach who implemented the learnings from his session and achieved success in winning a state championship, illustrating the impact of group professional development on practical outcomes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 27, 2024 • 1h 15min

176 - Stuart Morgan - How to manage Ryder Cup Nerves

Stuart Morgan is a Professional PGA Coach that works with some of the best players in the world.Golf Coaching Journey and Transition to Science-1:06Stuart Morgan shares his background in professional golf coaching, including his work with David Ledbetter, coaching winners on major tours, and his current focus on motor learning and practice in elite golf. He also discusses his transition from being a player to a coach and his interest in integrating science into golf coaching.Golf Coaching and Practice Methods-5:13Stuart Morgan explains the traditional approach to golf coaching, focusing on the use of driving ranges and the lack of emphasis on practicing on the golf course. He highlights the limitations of driving range practice and the need for more contextual training to simulate real course conditions. Discussion on Golf Swing Techniques and Self-Organization-10:59Michael Wright and Stuart Morgan delve into the evolution of golf swing techniques, highlighting the shift towards self-organization and individualized approaches rather than a standardized model. They discuss the impact of physical constraints and emphasize the importance of understanding first principle ideas for coaches and players to enhance performance.Coaching Differences and Approaches-36:46Stuart Morgan shares insights on coaching younger golfers and elite athletes, emphasizing the impact of coaching on the malleability of younger players and the need for diverse and engaging training methods. He also discusses the importance of long-term consistency in coaching elite athletes to achieve lasting improvements, highlighting the need for small, consistent adjustments over time.Involvement of Caddies in Player Support-41:05Stuart Morgan and Michael Wright delve into the integral role of caddies in supporting players, highlighting the importance of communication between caddies and coaching staff. They also consider the possibility of coaches caddying for players in specific events to gain insights into the player's performance and provide targeted feedback, challenging traditional practices in golf coaching.Player Superpowers and Nerves-48:58Stuart Morgan and Michael Wright delve into the concept of players' superpowers and the necessity of maintaining and refining them, using a recent experience with a player as an example. They also explore the influence of nerves on players' performance, sharing insights from the Ryder Cup Extreme and discussing how caddies play a crucial role in understanding and supporting players' psychological needs during high-pressure moments.Writing Journey and Future Plans-58:06Stuart Morgan shares his experience of writing "The Gifted Junior" and the decision to learn the skill of writing instead of opting for a ghostwriter. He also talks about his future plans to write his PhD thesis and the pilot studies he has conducted on elite golfers' practice, highlighting the fascinating themes that emerged from the studies.Discussion on Practice Habits and Beliefs1:01:41Stuart and Michael delve into the significance of sharing findings and work, highlighting the insights it can offer into practice habits and cultures. They stress the impact of beliefs on behaviors and the necessity to challenge habitual practices, while also discussing the benefits of having a variety of tools to develop one's game or practice style.Discussion on Coaching Styles and Player Psychology1:05:33Stuart Morgan and Michael Wright delve into the nuances of coaching styles and player psychology, with Stuart reflecting on his own approach and the feedback he receives from players. They emphasize the significance of recognizing individual personality types and tailoring coaching methods to optimize player performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 20, 2024 • 1h 5min

175 - Mark Bennett - How does culture effect performance?

Mark Bennett MBE is a high performance specialist consultant who has worked across the globe including Oklahoma City Thunder, Saracens Rugby and Premier League.Mark Bennett MBE on Performance Development System1:50Mark Bennett MBE explains the concept of culture as the natural behaviors within an organization or team, and how they manifest under pressure and in different situations. He also delves into the distinction between culture and performance, highlighting that having a great culture does not always guarantee high performance. Additionally, he discusses the importance of decision-making and judgment in various roles and situations.Identifying Issues and Solutions 8:38Mark Bennett MBE emphasizes the challenge of identifying the source of issues and prioritizing solutions for change. Michael Wright shares an anecdote about companies having similar values displayed on their walls, questioning the authenticity and impact of such displays. The conversation delves into the discrepancy between stated values and actual behaviors within organizations.Managing Expectations and Clarity in Sports and Business 15:46Mark Bennett MBE highlights the issue of unspoken expectations and lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities in sports and business. He explains how this can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings between managers, coaches, and hiring personnel, and emphasizes the importance of pre-agreement and daily honoring of expectations to avoid issues.Interviewing and Hiring Process 19:48Mark Bennett MBE emphasizes the need for thorough due diligence outside of the interview process when hiring coaches, citing a personal example to illustrate his point. He stresses the importance of observing coaches in action and evaluating their behaviors and interactions with players to determine their suitability for the role. Bennett also highlights the significance of the questions asked by candidates and how they align with the club's expectations and values.Evaluating Coaching Performance 23:54Michael Wright and Mark Bennett MBE delve into the intricacies of evaluating coaching performance, highlighting the significance of honesty and accountability in feedback. They stress the importance of providing specific, detailed feedback to coaches and the need to avoid overcomplicating or over-rationalizing assessments.Managing High Performance and Culture 36:35Michael Wright discusses the challenge of balancing high performance and culture in high-stress environments, citing the England cricket team as an example. He raises concerns about the impact on well-being and the potential for resentment. Mark Bennett MBE responds by emphasizing the importance of effective communication and managing one's state to maximize performance potential.Managing Behavioral Challenges in Sports Training 40:27Mark Bennett MBE illustrates a real-world scenario of managing behavioral challenges in sports training, highlighting the case of a basketball player from a rough neighborhood who exhibited inappropriate behavior during training sessions. Bennett emphasizes the importance of identifying weaknesses and intervening with clarity and honesty to address unacceptable behavior, ultimately aiming for progress and self-management within the athletes.Culture, Performance, and Wellness in Sports 43:57Mark Bennett MBE highlights the need to eliminate toxic behavior in sports culture and emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between wellness and performance. Michael Wright questions the management of perceptions around high-performing teams and the misconception of mistaking edge for bullying, citing examples from historical data and personal experiences in football environments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 12, 2024 • 24min

174 - My Diary - Coach educating in Thailand on Carabao's Coach the Coaches Programme

This week I explain my long absence and dissect my time in Thailand working for the EFL and Carabao as part of a coach education initiative called 'Coach the Coaches'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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May 1, 2024 • 37min

173 - Gary McDermott - Navigating the IDP blizzard

Gary McDermott us the U18 manager at Forest Green Rovers having worked at Southampton FC in the Foundation and Youth phase prior.Coaching Philosophy and Player Involvement - 5:47G McDermott, in a detailed explanation, shares his evolved coaching beliefs and the shift towards player involvement in game plans and training sessions. He describes a program where players watch opposition matches, deliver game plans, and suggest training focuses, leading to a collaborative approach that has yielded positive outcomes and a deeper understanding of player motivations.Encouraging Participation and Individual Development - 12:14Gary McDermott discusses how they make the game plan more engaging for the players and ensure that different voices are heard and valued. He explains their approach of breaking down tasks and allowing each player to contribute in different aspects, while also considering individual interests and comfort zones. Michael Wright inquires about the shift in coaching style and the process of transitioning to a more collaborative approach.G McDermott's Insights and Experiences - 16:01G McDermott discusses his frustration with being told to "shell it" during his playing days, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach to game strategy. He shares observations from player-led tournaments and a study visit at Bath Rugby, where he learned about the captain's role in game preparation and the importance of player engagement. G Mc also reflects on his son's development and the lessons he has learned from balancing support and independence in his son's activities.Discussion on Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and Game Philosophy - 20:11Michael Wright and Gary McDermott delve into the topic of individual development plans (IDPs) and the shift towards giving players autonomy in their development. They emphasize the importance of aligning IDPs with the team's game philosophy and discuss intertwining technical and team-focused aspects in IDPs. The conversation also touches on the relevance of IDPs in relation to the team's style of play.Coaching Philosophy and Training Methods - 25:34Gary McDermott outlines his coaching approach, emphasizing the significance of counter pressing, ball possession, and statistical analysis in training. He also discusses the competitive nature of his sessions, the use of position swaps to ensure equal opportunities for all players, and the importance of player expression within the framework of the team's style. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Apr 23, 2024 • 55min

172 - Scott Parkinson - The difference between the good and the elite is ....

Scott Parkinson is the assistant coach at Seattle Reign who are part of the USWL.Scott Parkinson's Journey and Coaching Philosophy - 5:54Scott Parkinson, the head assistant coach at Seattle Reign FC, shares his journey from playing football in the UK to coaching in the US. He discusses the pivotal moments in his coaching journey, including learning about the collective 11 and the level of detail in coaching. He also emphasizes his coaching philosophy, which revolves around energy, application, and intensity in every aspect of the game.Embracing Intensity and Chaos in Soccer Strategy - 20:14Scott Parkinson, drawing from his experience and passion for soccer, emphasizes the significance of transitional moments and the tactical evolution of the game. He stresses the need for a strong structure around the ball and the importance of leaving players higher when pressing to maintain an attacking threat. Additionally, he shares his enjoyment of the competitive nature of the game and the strategic approach to creating an environment that balances competitiveness and creative freedom.Tactical Considerations for Crosses and Defensive Transition - 24:03Scott Parkinson delves into the tactical intricacies of crossing and defensive transition, stressing the need for players to understand the risk-reward dynamics and make decisions based on the opponent's shape and strengths. He emphasizes the importance of improving attacking play to minimize the need for defensive transition, while also allowing players the freedom to make decisions and cover for each other based on the situation.Principles of Play and Periodization - 28:56Scott Parkinson shares insights on developing a game idea and aligning principles of play with it. He stresses the significance of an accountability platform to track coaching and ensure the execution of desired behaviors. Additionally, he explains the approach to periodization, emphasizing the need for flexibility in planning based on the team's principles and game idea.Coaching Philosophy and Individual Player Management - 34:08Scott Parkinson and Michael Wright delve into the challenges of coaching and the balance between providing specific instructions and allowing players to think freely on the field. Parkinson shares his realization about the individual needs of players and the importance of using experience to tailor coaching methods to each player's unique learning style.Different Learning Styles of Elite Players - 37:35Scott Parkinson highlights the distinct learning approaches of elite players Becky Sauerbrunn and Kelly O'Hara, both World Cup winners. Sauerbrunn relies on her intuitive understanding of the game and prefers not to watch video clips, while O'Hara meticulously studies game footage, even when not playing. Parkinson emphasizes the need to recognize and accommodate individual learning styles to optimize player development within the team structure.Importance of Confidence and Soft Skills in Coaching - 46:16Scott Parkinson shares insights on the essential qualities for coaching success, emphasizing the need for confidence, preparation, and resilience. He also discusses the significance of soft skills in building rapport and earning respect from players and colleagues. Additionally, he reflects on the character traits that have helped him thrive in the competitive world of professional sports coaching.Insights on Elite Players and Coaches - 56:04Scott Parkinson highlights the exceptional qualities of elite players he has worked with, such as their intense training, leadership, and winning mentality. He also reflects on the three words he hopes to be known for - "All in," "joyful," and "passionate" - and the importance of being there for anyone who needs him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Apr 16, 2024 • 1h 6min

171 - Brian Slugocki - Do NHL players work on their strengths or weaknesses?

Brian Slugocki is a hockey coaches who works across the development pathway culminating with some work with NHL players during offseasons.Introduction and Background of Brian Slugocki -1:08Michael Wright and Brian Slugocki set up the recording and exchange pleasantries about the weather in Arizona. Brian then shares his background in ice hockey, from playing at the University of Arizona and in Sweden to coaching youth and professional players, including his current role as a skills coach for the Arizona Coyotes minor league team.Coaching and Mentorship 4:21Brian Slugocki explains his passion for coaching and mentorship, influenced by his positive experiences with teachers and mentors who cared for him as a person. Michael Wright shares a story about a cricketer's shift in mindset due to a mentor's guidance, emphasizing the significance of coaches fostering meaningful relationships with players for success.Developing Movement and Reception Skills in Hockey and Football - 21:53Brian Slugocki shares his methods for teaching movement and reception skills in hockey, including the use of video clips and interactive demonstrations to prepare players for practice. He emphasizes the importance of using the ice geography and dot lines to teach players how to move and receive the puck effectively, while also considering the impact on defenders' positioning.Strategies for Receiving and Transitioning with the Puck - 28:39Brian Slugocki and Michael Wright exchange ideas on how to improve players' ability to receive the puck and create separation from defenders in hockey. They draw parallels between shadowing in hockey and man marking in football, emphasizing the importance of deceptive footwork and transitional play. Slugocki also shares a drill involving a football-like stance to practice getting open and working on skating techniques.Techniques for Practicing at Home - 36:28Michael Wright and Brian Slugocki exchange ideas on how to improve hockey skills at home, focusing on stick handling and individual skill development. They suggest using rebounders and emphasize the value of visualization and realistic game scenarios for effective training. The discussion highlights the need for a partner or parent to facilitate challenging practice sessions.Transition and Attack Strategies in Hockey - 39:35Michael Wright and Brian Slugocki delve into the intricacies of transitional play and attack strategies in hockey. They highlight the significance of players recognizing the right time to transition and attack, and the principles and rules that guide these decisions. Additionally, they discuss the self-awareness and strategic considerations involved in exploiting space and utilizing players' strengths on the ice.Considerations for Player Transitions in Hockey and Football 55:03Michael Wright emphasizes the rapid and unpredictable nature of player transitions in hockey, stressing the importance of being aware of the capabilities of incoming players. Brian Slugocki adds another layer to the discussion by highlighting the impact of handedness on player transitions, emphasizing the need for players to adapt to different playing styles and preferences. The conversation also touches on the potential value of constant player transitions in football to enhance players' awareness and adaptability.Coaching Philosophy and Player Development 59:49Brian Slugocki shares his coaching approach, emphasizing the importance of maximizing players' strengths and collaborating with them to improve their skills. He highlights the need for a positive and engaging environment, especially for younger players, and discusses the differences in players' openness to change based on their career stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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