In this Masterclass Discussion, Dave Wright and Dan Wright sit down for a two hour discussion with world leading Sports Psychologist, Dan Abrahams.

Dave and Dan facilitate an in depth conversation with Dan on his experience in sports psychology across different codes.  We examine the four corner model and the value of breaking down psychology into a component, we talk autonomy, challenge the review process, discuss coach communication and much, much more. This is a fascinating conversation from an experienced expert in the world of sports psychology with a huge amount of practical advice for you to apply in your environments.

Show Notes

0:00 – 6:47: Introduction, Dan’s background.

7:40 – 9:40: Four Corner model: Dan Wright discusses his understanding Initially and how he feels about it now. 

9:40 – 12:00: Four Corner model: Dan Abrahams’ view on the Four Corner model and how he believes this should be challenged.

12:00 – 17:55: Dan Abrahams’ Psych-social model. Very Detailed explanation of this and how it looks.

18:00 – 21:15: Dave and Dan Wright discuss their own views on feelings new coaches have, and their own experiences of when they first coached and what the focus was.

21:15 –  22:00: Understanding young people – Dan Abrahams discusses how coaches do understand the children they coach. 

22:00 – 26:00: Discussion around “are we asking the right questions during coaching?” Educate through how players are feeling rather than ‘do instructions’ and also what Dan Abrahams believes coaching is all about.

25:45 – 29:20: What makes a great coaching course? What types of questions should be asked on coaching courses?

30:30 – 33:00: Why are coaches’ emotions raised and styles changed so much during games?

33:40 – 42:47: Dan Abrahams discussing: Controlled style vs autonomy supportive coaches. Different examples of each of these coaching styles.

42:47 – 46:55: Discussion on different social groups growing up and what this looks like in different places.

47:00 – 53:35: Task vs social relationships. Great discussion around differences between them. ‘Coming down to the player’s level’.

54:30 – 1:02:06: Controlled style vs autonomy supportive coaches. Practical examples of these approaches and some pros of each.

1:02:30 – 1:03:45: Experience of player-led tournaments.

1:03:45 – 1:04:25: Player-led 1 on 1 meetings.

1:05:05 – 1:10:50: Self-reflection – examples of different types of reviews, questions to ask and how valuable these can be. 

1:11:40 – 1:15:55: Can we self-reflect too much? Finding the right balance of self-reflection.

1:17:30 – 1:23:04: Dangers of comparisons in self-reflections and player reviews.

1:24:30 – 1:34:45: Practical advice around supporting players with emotional control. Talking about players who have a ‘Game Face’ and what this looks like.

1:34:45 – 1:43:40: Deep conversation of different examples of ‘Game Faces’.

1:43:40 – 1:45:45: Link between Psych-social model > ‘Game Face’.

1:46:00 – 1:51:00: Key characteristics of an effective coach.

Key Takeaways

7:45 – 12:00: Elastic band vs Four Corner approach.

12:00 – 17:55: ‘Participation, Progression, Performance’ – Psych-social model.

17:25 – 17:55: What coaching is and what coaching isn’t.

22:00 – 26:00: Are we asking the right questions during coaching? Do we educate through giving out ‘do instructions’ or is it based on the feelings of players experiences? 

33:40 – 42:47: Controlled style vs autonomy supportive coaches.

1:05:05 – 1:10:50: Self-reflection – examples of different types of reviews, questions to ask and how valuable these can be. 

1:34:45 – 1:43:40: ‘Game Face’. Examples of what this means and how top sports people use it.

1:47:25 – 1:51:00: Key characteristic of effective coaching – Dan’s top pick.

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