In this engaging discussion, Dr. Sam Thrower, a Senior Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University specializing in youth sport and parent-child dynamics, teams up with Prof. Chris Harwood, a renowned expert in athlete development at Nottingham Trent University. They dive into the pivotal role parents play in youth sports, exploring strategies for effective communication and support. Highlights include the development of educational programs for parents, the transformation of parental perceptions, and methods to improve young athletes' confidence and enjoyment in their sport.

Join Rusty Earnshaw, a former professional rugby player turned coach, and Danny Newcombe, a Senior Coach Development Manager at the Premier League, as they dive into the art of coaching. They discuss the powerful influence of psychology in sports, sharing insights on building emotional intelligence and effective communication. Rusty and Danny explore the importance of empowering players through independence and adaptability, and the significance of game intelligence in enhancing performance. Their engaging conversation offers valuable strategies for coaches at all levels.

Johnny Gorman, a trainee clinical psychologist and former professional footballer, dives into the often overlooked psychological struggles of young players released from clubs. He sheds light on his research about the lasting impacts of being deselected, including increased risks of anxiety and depression. Johnny emphasizes the need for youth to develop identities beyond sports and the importance of systemic support from clubs. He shares insights on how these young athletes can navigate their emotional challenges, aiming to foster greater awareness and care in football culture.

Dr. Thomas Simpson, a Lecturer in Motor Learning at Edge Hill University, discusses optimizing children's motor learning through attentional and motivational insights. He reveals how the OPTIMAL theory can transform physical education by using external focus and enhanced expectations. The conversation explores fostering autonomy in coaching, the importance of thoughtful feedback, and the impact of positive reinforcement on young athletes. Additionally, he highlights the crucial differences between external and internal focus in improving sports performance.

In this engaging chat, Dr. Scott McLean, a Senior Research Fellow and award-winning football coach, delves into complexity and systems thinking in sports. He emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to enhance performance and tackle challenges in athletics. Scott discusses anti-doping systems, advocating for holistic reforms instead of blaming athletes. He also critiques accountability in football, highlighting successful club models. Lastly, he explores the implications of talent and recognition for young athletes within systemic dynamics.

In this insightful conversation, Bernadette Kellermann, a Sport Psychologist and PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh, shares her unique journey from music to performance psychology. She discusses the Multi-Action Plan (MAP) Model and its application in understanding transitions between mental states in high-level judo performance. The exploration includes the interplay of mental dynamics during competition, the significance of emotional regulation, and the unique performance states athletes navigate. Bernadette highlights reflective practices that enhance athlete development, enriching our understanding of mental transitions in sport.

Mia KurtzFavero, a recent Master’s graduate in Sport Psychology and an avid volleyball coach, dives into the complex world of parent-coaches. She discusses her compelling research on the dual role of coaching and parenting, revealing the challenges these individuals face and the lack of resources available to them. Mia emphasizes the importance of strong interpersonal skills and effective communication between parent-coaches and their children. She calls for more research and structured support to enhance coaching effectiveness in youth sports.

Dr. Jim Taylor, an internationally recognized expert on performance psychology and a former world-ranked alpine ski racer, shares insights on training the mind for athletic success. He discusses the critical role of mental training, emphasizing positive mindset and confidence. Taylor explores how personal narratives shape athletes' performance and the significant emphasis on mental health in sports. He also highlights strategies for building self-efficacy and overcoming mental barriers, underscoring the connection between psychology and unlocking athletic potential.

In this discussion, Dr. Derek Panchuk, a skill acquisition specialist with over 15 years of experience, dives into the art and science of coaching. He emphasizes the crucial role of visual perception in sports, highlighting how elite athletes like Messi excel in decision-making through effective visual cues. Derek explores innovative training methods, including gamifying cricket practices with audio cues to enhance anticipation. He also stresses the balance between training volume and skill development, advocating for adaptable coaching strategies that boost athlete performance and resilience.

Mehdi Kordi, a performance coach and scientist with a PhD in Sport and Exercise Physiology, previously led the Dutch National Cycling Union to Olympic success. He discusses transforming a struggling cycling team into world champions through strategic cultural shifts and trust-building. Mehdi emphasizes the balance between data-driven coaching and understanding athletes' emotional needs. He also explores innovative approaches like marginal gains and highlights the importance of diverse perspectives and team cohesion in high-performance sports.