Coach Your Brains Out

0:27 - John’s podcast and development of the Changing the Game project.Podcast link: https://wayofchampions.libsyn.com/Changing the Game Project link: https://changingthegameproject.com/1:56 - John’s main advice for youth sports coaching.3:04 - Examples of negative coaching that drives off young athletes from playing sports.3:27 - Importance of having fun and encouraging genuine enjoyment of sports.6:57 - Differentiation between seriousness and having fun, and maintaining both.7:39 - John’s “ideal practice” scenario + his advice on running an effective practice.8:54 - How to effectively interact with parents in the early coaching stages.9:29 - One of the most effective forms of practice - interleaved practice.10:36 - Showing parents that learning is messy, and that effective practices are not necessarily organized.13:07 - Building trust and connections with athletes and parents.13:39 - What happens once coaches establish trust with parents?15:16 - Dealing with parents coaching off the sidelines of games.17:13 - Advice for parents to help their children grow as athletes.20:44 - Establishing a healthy dynamic between parents and children in the context of sports.24:01 - Do development and learning of fundamentals come before playing games, or do they emerge from playing experience?26:51 - Why isolated, “fundamentals first” training is widely practiced.Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

0:31 - In contrast to the “before practice” checklist, what are key components of the “during practice” checklist?0:58 - Dependent on the kind of coach and the “coaching moment”.2:53 - Common things coaches should avoid when giving feedback to their athletes.Staying on track with the original goal of practice and minimizing information overload.4:51 - Should coaches focus on working with groups of athletes at a time, or just individuals?5:09 - Example given in the context of young athletes.8:11 - Importance of encouraging athletes to practice on their own time by their own volition.9:06 - Chris’ thoughts on including progressions and themes in practices.9:41 - Benefits of interleaved practice that mimics the constant change in games.11:42 - Balance of variety and consistency in practice planning.13:32 - If the original practice plan seems to be ineffective, should coaches stick with the plan or improvise?14:37 - “Coaching experiments” and the impact and importance of showing vulnerability as a coach.16:01 - Chris’ thoughts on having post-practice consistent routines and discussions with either the coaching staff or the athletes.20:23 - Ways in which coaches can get feedback on the effectiveness of practiceWriting down things to focus on in one practice + increasing skill sets23:03 - Similarities and differences of working with beach volleyball coaches and coaches from other sports.26:34 - Chris’ thoughts on intentional coaching and why he emphasizes it. Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

00:35 - Making the transition from being the head coach of the USA Field Hockey national team to a coaching consultant.2:04 - What Chris has used from his coaching experience and implemented into consulting + what he would have done differently throughout his early career.3:41 - How coaches have received Chris’ advice + how he identifies what kind of coaches he is coaching.7:05 - What Chris thinks are the most prevalent or frequent areas in which coaches can improve in.9:30 - “Checking for understanding”: a technique Chris uses to make sure that coaches are on the same page.13:54 - How Chris actively develops coaching skills by making them work harder to figure out through trial and error rather than through being lectured. 15:34 - Step by step process to make sure that all coaches are on the same page.17:07 - Making sure to focus and maintain the goal or core idea of the game/activity.21:12 - Key things coaches can do before a training session.22:22 - Establishing the purpose of the practice to maintain engagement and actively attempt to accomplish goals of that practice.23:49 - Importance of effective communication: implementing the best games or activities to get the standard/purpose of the purpose across to the players.25:09 - Should players be involved in the planning process of practices?26:57 - Benefits of letting players be included in this coaching process.27:18 - Importance of letting go of your ego for the purpose of this process.Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

0:31 - How the pandemic has affected the mental health of Dan’s players.1:43 - Ways in which Dan’s been trying to deal with feelings anxiety and pressure.4:00 - Finding professional help to strengthen the mental health of athletes.6:18 - Using the team environment to create bonds + having older players use their experience with playing anxiety to offer advice to younger players.7:19 - How Dan has tried to maintain team bonds throughout the pandemic.8:50 - Building connections even with pandemic restrictions.9:46 - Exercises coaches can use to get players to open up about their mental health.10:56 - Importance of communication with players and listening to athletes.12:20 - Giving back to the community: why Dan and his players do community service.13:36 - What Rae Strong is and how people can get involved.Link: https://raestrong.org/17:40 - An update on how Rae is doing today.18:38 - Why and how Dan ended up coaching Tim Bomgren and Jeremy Casebeer at the AVP Chicago event.20:09 - Why Dan doesn’t take money for coaching on the sand + why he enjoys being a part of the beach community.22:34 - Dan’s players getting involved in the AVP Events.23:24 - How less established players can take down the “giants” of beach volleyball.25:04 - What Dan is doing currently to grow as a coach.

0:41 - Dan’s thoughts on being able to coach/work with his wife (having the opportunity to create crossover between coaching styles).4:42 - Key factors to Dan’s success coaching a smaller program at Lewis University.5:18 - Importance of recruiting coachable players with good work ethic.7:16 - Lewis University’s volleyball popularity among the general students.8:32 - Disadvantages of a small volleyball program and university.8:38 - Less of a social life in comparison to larger universities + harder to find ways to stay engaged within the community.9:49 - Younger alumni (younger program) who generally aren’t able to help fund the program yet.10:33 - Importance of Dan’s team culture/philosophy (having fun, team mentality, being outside the box, and ownership and pride of the program).10:47 - Having fun + developing team mentality: enjoying competing in practice and in games as well as team activities outside the gym.12:49 - Maintaining team culture despite Covid limitations.13:04 - Journal writing.13:19 - Reading sports psychology and volleyball related books as a team (e.g. The Inner Game of Tennis).15:16 - Making sure that players have self-discipline and put in the work to get better as a player and an individual. 16:17 - Importance of learning about the history of the Lewis University volleyball program (being proud of the program).17:55 - How Dan makes sure and can tell that his players are invested in the team culture.20:26 - How Dan’s team culture and philosophy is reflected in and improves the team’s performance.22:34 - What is done in practice to help close the gap between potentially more “talented” teams.24:56 - Dan’s recruiting process (particularly how he finds the right players for the program).27:49 - How Dan frames the program’s success when talking with his players.Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

0:38 - What has changed in the last decade that has allowed pitchers to increase their pitching speeds (despite the factor of genetics).2:12 - Active range of motion vs passive range of motion.3:08 - At what point can athletes transition from focusing on developing healthy shoulders to focusing on increasing their speed?5:03 - In terms of volleyball, what can be done to increase hitting speed?5:34 - Using weighted arm sleeves to develop faster arm swings.5:59 - Developing clean and efficient arm swings is a large factor in increasing speed.8:02 - How Vic would structure exercises using weighted arm sleeves.11:19 - In addition to developing healthier shoulders, will a lower load also help people hit harder and throw harder?13:13 - Are there benefits of measuring players’ spike and serve speeds?14:28 - Using measurable and visual results to increase motivation.15:40 - What kind of coaching styles and methods have worked for Vic?16:01 - Identifying anchor points16:28 - Verbal and visual cues (in the form of analogies and metaphors)17:20 - Time constraints19:08 - How Vic discovered these coaching methods.20:49 - How players have responded to Vic’s coaching + example of how Vic walks a player through practice.23:41 - Vic’s new overhead sports practice facility in Amarillo, Texas.

0:46 - How Vic was introduced to and gained an appreciation for volleyball.1:52 - When and why Vic made the transition from playing in the majors to coaching - using his own experience to help younger, developing players.3:27 - Simple and inexpensive warm-ups and routines coaches can teach to players and implement within their own practice.6:50 - More expensive and heavy-duty equipment to invest in for better shoulder health (e.g. crossover symmetry, motion capture equipment).Marc Pro device mentioned: https://marcpro.com/product-category/devices/9:38 - What part of Vic’s previous coaching that he would try to do differently.12:01 - Applying shoulder techniques in volleyball (preventing the full extension of arm above your head in a straight downward motion).14:52 - Posture’s effects on shoulder health.15:40 - Should you lower your elbow when extending your arm and shoulder?17:11 - Developing correct arm swings in younger players who have to compensate for lower reach above the net.19:25 - How to correct high elbow and extended shoulder motions that lead to weaker shoulders.22:25 - Aqua bags, and utilization of them during practice.24:43 - Using weighted balls during practice (weighted med balls, weighted baseballs, aquabags).27:05 - Implementing practice methods that Vic uses in a volleyball context.28:43 - Pre and post practice exercises and routines to maintain shoulder health.Pre-practice - Crossover symmetry and band exercises.Post-practice - Eccentric exercises.29:39 - Repetition counts for pre and post practice exercises.32:17 - Benefits of soft tissue massages (using lacrosse balls and foam rollers).

Show Notes (Angie Akers episode 2)1:11 - Challenges Angie faced when transitioning to coaching April and Alix + dealing with the pressure of coaching an already successful team.1:57 - Adjusting coaching to fit the circumstances within their team.5:06 - Dealing with awkwardness and discomfort within teams to develop better relationships later.7:58 - Transitioning from an Assistant Coach for the Dutch to a Head Coach with Team USA.9:49 - Describing April and Alix’s excellence.12:35 - Implementing “Dutch Directness” in practice and coaching.15:14 - Will the US national team develop more cohesiveness between teams, modeling after other foreign teams.16:40 - Tailoring coaching to the individual (particularly in the case with April and Alix).17:45 - Dealing with differences in scouting judgement before games (e.g. wanting to serve different players.18:10 - “Don’t get married to your plan” - being adaptive and flexible with strategies during games.19:23 - Reflecting on the year - what Angie wants to work on as a coach.21:19 - What Angie is “dominating” in: areas she believes she’s doing well in.21:54 - Listener Questions22:05 - The most difficult part of coaching the A-Team/April and Alix.22:41 - April’s perspective on facing disappointment or undesired results.24:10 - Angie’s favorite part of the Olympic experience

1:11 - How Angie ended up coaching April and Alix and representing Team USA in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics.4:15 - How Angie used a pre-mortem exercise to prepare for the Olympic Games, and avoid potential mishaps while accomplishing their goals.4:56 - Covid 19’s limitations on relationship building and team building exercises during the Olympics.6:43 - Facing and preparing for heat and humidity in Tokyo.9:27 - Written form of a pre-mortem to manage anxiety and nerves.10:53 - Role of past FIVB tournament results in preparation and practice, and identification of what was needed and when.13:01 - Why they sat out of the Gstaad tournament.15:30 - How the Olympic format and preparation helped them dominate their opponents during the Olympics.17:03 - How Angie used film study to structure practice and prepare during downtime between games..17:56 - Emulation of “playing” against opponents during practice and warmups.19:20 - Would Angie have coached an underdog team differently than April and Alix?20:16 - How Angie, April, and Alix approached every match.21:18 - How John and Andrew would approach every match.22:49 - Circumstantial warm up/preparation for different tournaments vs relatively consistent warm up/preparation (e.g. Cancun compared to a colder environment).24:00 - Enjoying the Tokyo Olympic activities.25:32 - Finding a routine during the Olympics, and filling up free time while staying mentally sharp.

-Story of resiliency -Handling pain-Building leadersGet CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Specializing at a young age-The skill of being a good teammate-Changing rolesGet CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Mental training-Pushing through valleys-Coach and team's roleGet CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Expectations-Physical and mental preparation-Enjoying the workGet CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Monitoring stress-Antifragility and injury prevention-Keeping athletes healthy-Concussions and common injuriesGet CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-What it means to be antifragile-Creating an environment that facilitates antifragility-The role of stressGet CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Leaders listen-Player-led approach-Building leaders-Traditional and Transformational culturesThe Twin Thieves - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736966200Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Building culture-People + Culture + Preparation + Execution-Addressing tough issues-Cows vs BuffaloThe Twin Thieves - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736966200Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Balancing strength and conditioning and practice-Important measurements for volleyball athletes-Working with groupshttps://emergentmvmt.com/Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Ecological Dynamics in sports training-Shaping the learning/training environment-Co-Design and a learner-centered approach-Warmups for volleyballhttps://emergentmvmt.com/Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Team-centered culture-High standards-Coach/Player relationships-Motivating athletes Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Facing adversity on Mount Everest-Physical and mental preparation-Pushing yourself vs staying healthy-Lessons learned on Everest Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Evaluating if our language is working-The role of praise-Common coaching language mistakes https://www.thelanguageofcoaching.com/Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Volleyball cueing examples-Teaching through analogies-Cueing for groups and returning athletes https://www.thelanguageofcoaching.com/Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-The importance of language in coaching-Feedback: Knowledge of Result and Knowledge of Performance-External focus of attention https://www.thelanguageofcoaching.com/Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Coaching changes they implemented-Biggest struggles-Tournament preparation-Start Stop ContinueGet CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Universal language for stats-Stats in-game-Predicting the future of stats-Are serving and passing really the most important skills? Volley Dork - https://volleydork.blog/Danny Kinda and Team USA -

-Looking at the game objectively-Rethinking passing and attack efficiency-What is undervalued and what is overvalued?Volley Dork - https://volleydork.blog/ Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Common traits of successful programs-Prioritizing what matters-Handling team problems-Lessons from John Wooden Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Interview dos and dont's-Common and Uncommon questions-Moving up the coaching ranks-Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Identifying leadership and character-Interviewing players-Evaluating your recruiting track record -Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Managing staff-Seeking different opinions-Stepping into leadership roles-Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-What is wayfinding-The importance of self-regulation-Encouraging athletes to explore -Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Representative Dial-Co-Designing practice with your athletes-Fostering feedback -Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Blending the mental and the physical-Self-Talk and nerves-Coaches modeling mental skills-The All Terrain Project https://allterrainproject.com/ -Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Committing to the controllables and the space around you-Dealing with distractions-3ft world in action-Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Athlete feedback-Affordance vs Constraints-Coaching models -Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Stuart's coaching path-Ecological Dynamics approach to coaching-Practice Design-Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Dark Blood release! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QL6WNFK -Our intros to Motor Learning-Blocked AND Random training-Optimal Performance Theory-What is this crazy thing called Ecological Dynamics we keep hearing about? -Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Holistic focus feedback-Sports psychology lessons-Training the mental game-Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-What is a holistic focus?-Internal focus vs. external focus-When a holistic focus is beneficial-Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Playing time and role clarity-Lessons for a first-year coach-Growing a program and staff-Keeping things fresh-Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Visualization and deep breathing-Positive self-talk-Mental training in practicehttps://www.neuro-fuel.com/ Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Integrating workouts in practice-The importance of transfer in strength training-Aqua BagsGet CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Implicit vs explicit learning-Constraints in practice-Examples of implicit and explicit coachingGet CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Competition phase of practice-Common mistakes in practice design-Honesty vs Enhanced Expectations-Dynamical Systems vs Schema TheoryGet CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-How he got into studying motor learning-The current state of virtual reality. -Using virtual reality in training.-Practice Planning from warmups to "tutors."Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Positive coaching-Modeling values-Mindset exercises to do with your teams during quarantine-Listening to your athletes in times of stressMax Out Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1645437183Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-Importance of allowing space-Training optimism-How to build highly effective teams-Psychological safety-Role players vs superstarsMax Out Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1645437183Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout

-What makes for effective feedback-Measuring the effectiveness of practice-Should we teach an "ideal" technique?-Implicit vs Explicit LearningThe Best: How Elite Athletes Are Made - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F4ZRQS9

-Training anticipation-Where to focus attention when reading-The art of deceptionThe Best: How Elite Athletes Are Made - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F4ZRQS9Get CYBO the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098630904Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/coachyourbrainsout