Derek O’Riordan, Partnership Manager for Sport Scotland, and coach developer in Rugby Union, discusses coach development intricacies, healthy sport involvement for children, deliberate practice, and attentional cues for learning and performance in this insightful podcast.

Sports scientist Jordan Cassidy discusses tailoring coach development to the individual, emphasizing skill acquisition and athlete support. Topics include coach feedback, planning, reflective practice, and creating engaging learning environments. The conversation delves into the importance of personalized coaching approaches and the significance of skill acquisition in athlete development.

Elisabeth Oehler, a strength and conditioning coach with international experience, discusses coaching across cultures. Topics include mental aspects of weightlifting, authenticity in coaching, mental skill development in diverse environments, and challenges faced as a female coach in Saudi Arabia. The conversation highlights cultural nuances in athletes' mindset and motivation.

Sport psychologist Michael Caulfield discusses the champion jockey's mindset, authentic communication, and building trust in professional sports. He emphasizes the value of personal interactions, simplicity, and canine connections in developing strong relationships with athletes and coaches.

Allan Steele, experienced in Premier League coaching, discusses contrasting coaching cultures in the UK, Spain, and the US. He shares insights on maximizing talent development, empowering players, and building connections beyond athletic abilities. Steele reflects on his journey to Premier League success and highlights the importance of player autonomy and guided learning in elite sports environments.

Dr. Noel Dempsey, a coach educator with experience in football coaching, shares insights on coaching philosophy, player development, and psychosocial support. He emphasizes personal growth, vulnerability, and the balance between structure and freedom in coaching. The podcast explores the impact of sports beyond the field and the importance of creating a supportive environment for athletes.

Olivia Bramley & Dr Laura Healy discuss mental health in sub-elite women's sports, tackling stigma, competition pressures, and the need for supportive environments. They delve into balancing multiple careers in women's football, emphasizing the importance of nurturing well-being in sports and creating psychologically informed environments for personal growth.

Sarah Green, UEFA A Licence Coach, discusses transitioning from football to netball coaching, expanding coaching skills through academic exploration, using bandwidth feedback in coaching sessions, and building a structured coaching environment to enhance player performance and mindset coaching strategies.

Jon Mackey, High Performance Director for Canoeing Ireland, discusses coaching for learning and skill development. Topics include contrasting research approaches, evolving coaching styles in combat sports, psychological insights through movement patterns, deliberate practice, scaling in coaching, and coaching athletes for performance and learning.

Explore how elite athletes like Gary Neville and Lionel Messi approach mental preparation and decision-making in sports. Discover the importance of deliberate practice, team dynamics, and strategic decision-making in achieving excellence. Learn about cross-sport learning, innovative coaching methods, and individual differences in elite competitors. Join the engaging conversation with David Horrocks on the mindset of an elite competitor.