Blog Archives
Better Way to Lead/Teach
From Dad to Coach: 17 Rules for Coaching Youth Sports teaches readers the seventeen essential rules you have crafted for being an effective coach that makes a lasting impression on their athletes. I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I would say the hardest aspect was when I told my story concerning the ref in Rule 15, looking back on that situation is still embarrassing to this day. I cringe remembering how I acted on the field and the arrogance I displayed.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It’s really hard for me to pick just one idea because the book is very dense with information that I found the most useful. If I had to pick one, it would be Rule 5: Avoid Excessive Yelling. I have just seen so many coaches (including myself) err in this area, and it really is detrimental to a program and can ruin a kid’s love for the sport. There’s a better way to lead/teach that is both more enjoyable and effective for the coach and player.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
I hope this book inspires dads to coach. That is my main goal. I wish I had this resource available to me on day one. If you are a new coach looking for philosophies on how to coach or simply a coach looking to grow, then this book is for you.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Stories of Resilience and Courage: Women Coaches Form a Global Community
In Stories of Resilience and Courage, Sheila Hurtig Robertson presents a compelling anthology that chronicles the journeys of 20 women coaches from diverse backgrounds, each overcoming significant challenges in their pursuit of recognition in the sports world. This collection spans multiple continents, featuring narratives from countries such as South Africa, Japan, Ireland, Nigeria, and Canada, offering a global perspective on women’s experiences in sports coaching.
One of the book’s highlights is the story of Martine Dugrenier from Canada, whose transition from a gymnast to a wrestling champion is marked by overcoming a severe injury. Another notable tale is that of Amanda from England, who faced a pivotal career decision between a lucrative physiotherapy job and her coaching passion. These stories, among others, encapsulate the spirit of determination and innovation these women displayed, paving the way for future generations in the field.
The book goes beyond mere biographical accounts, delving into the creative solutions these coaches employed to navigate obstacles, such as Tina’s inventive approach to keeping her swimmers engaged amidst COVID-19 restrictions. It also touches upon the broader socio-political contexts affecting these women, including harrowing experiences of fleeing unstable regions and achieving notable accolades like winning the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Robertson’s narrative is enriched with detailed historical and cultural insights, making it an educational read as well. Including events like the capture of Mauritius during the Napoleonic Wars adds depth to the stories. The book is well-structured, featuring vivid photographs, detailed background information on the subjects and their countries, and direct quotes that bring authenticity to the narrative.
Stories of Resilience and Courage is more than just a collection of inspiring stories. It is an insightful exploration into the challenges women face in the coaching industry, highlighting their remarkable achievements. The book is presented in a clear, engaging style, making it an accessible and enlightening read for anyone interested in sports, coaching, and women’s empowerment. It is not only an inspirational resource but also an important commentary on gender dynamics in sports coaching, making it a valuable addition to the conversation around women’s roles in sports.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0CVNGGSW6
Habits That Work
Soccer Mastery: The little things that make a big difference helps players identify small habits in their lives that are unknowingly impacting their performance on the field and show them how to make a course correction. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The most important idea is the importance of creating habits that work over time. Small changes in habits can have big impacts on your soccer game over time.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be published?
There’s no plan at the moment for additional books, but a list of our books currently available can be found here.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The mind thinks between 60,000 – 80,000 thoughts a day. That’s an average of 2500 – 3,300 thoughts per hour.
Yet most of those thoughts happen unconsciously and dictate your behavior.
People act based on their unconscious habits and you end up…
…biting your nails while you wait for the next epiphany
…avoiding eye contact with the people next to you on the bus
…eating junk food to reward yourself for the hard work you have done
Not all habits are bad, but a lot of them can be the reason why you are stuck in the same routine and making the same mistakes over and over again in your soccer game.
Soccer is a game of habits. It´s as simple as 1+1. The right habits create players who win. And the wrong habits get punished once your opponent intercepts the careless pass you continue to make over and over again.
Mastering your soccer game means stepping out of the hamster wheel you´ve been living in for years.
If you want to instantly level up your game, all you need to do is follow the simple formula of strategies to improve your habits you never even notice.
Being a winning soccer player requires more than kicking the ball on a green grass field. Soccer is a lifestyle and shows up in many unexpected areas of your life.
You will be speechless once you discover how you can improve your soccer skills while at work, while brushing your teeth, or while waiting for the bus.
Mastering the most popular sport in the world requires more than using muscle strength and the right technique…a lot of people are not even aware of what part of their game they need to work on.
Soccer is one of the fastest, most unpredictable, and most complex games in the world. Therefore, you have to make sure you always stay in control and think one step ahead of your opponent.
In “Soccer Mastery“, you´ll discover:
How a “happy meal“ turned into a horror meal for soccer players
The magical “hawk-eye” of soccer to prevent failure
How numbers rule the game
Which tool your coach uses to predict the game (one hint: he doesn´t need to be a soccer expert)
How to be in the right place at the right time and turn a pass into a winning goal
The most overlooked factors to help you reach the next league
Why Sergio Ramos is the Real Madrid center-back and how you can transfer this knowledge into your next game
Exactly what scouts are looking in a future World Cup player
How a mug and a toothpick can maximize your peripheral vision
And much more.
Even if you don’t plan to make it to the UEFA Champions League, you still want to be the best player on the soccer field.
If you are passionate enough about the game, you don´t want to trust your gut when it comes to the next match and you want to ensure that you are taking the right steps to move your game to the next level…
Soccer Mastery
Soccer Mastery, by Chest Dugger, offers an intricate weave of habits, secrets, and strategies aimed at elevating your soccer game. This book unpacks the minutiae that shape a soccer player’s journey from grassroots to greatness. Dugger’s methodical breakdown of various game aspects, from player analytics and nutrition to advanced offensive and defensive tactics, provides a comprehensive toolkit for any soccer enthusiast keen on refining their skills or understanding the sport’s deeper mechanics.
Dugger’s writing shines when it discusses the granular details of soccer tactics and player development. His ability to simplify complex strategies and present them in an actionable format is one thing I particularly enjoyed about this book. While the book employs a technical vocabulary that reflects its thorough analysis, it remains accessible to those interested in soccer’s nuances. The inclusion of historical and philosophical asides adds depth to the narrative, enriching the reader’s understanding, though it may occasionally shift focus from the core practical advice. This approach underscores the author’s comprehensive knowledge and passion for soccer, making it a valuable resource for dedicated enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of the game.
The book excels in its practical applications, offering drills, real-life examples, and actionable advice that are likely to benefit players at all levels. The focus on the game’s mental and physical aspects, highlighting the importance of cognitive skills like tactical awareness alongside physical drills, ensures a holistic approach to soccer training. These sections are theoretically sound and backed by Dugger’s extensive experience and evident passion for coaching.
Soccer Mastery is a treasure trove of insights for the soccer player or coach who is intent on dissecting the game’s finer points and leveraging small, strategic adjustments for significant improvement.
Pages: 133 | ISBN : 1096667835
Be Human, Lead Human: How to Connect People and Performance
In her book, Be Human, Lead Human: How to Connect People and Performance, Jennifer Nash, Ph.D., brings a distinctive and deeply personal perspective to the topic of leadership. Drawing on her own experiences and contemplations, Nash takes the reader on a journey to explore what it truly means to lead with a sense of humanity in an era where traditional leadership methodologies often seem inadequate.
Nash’s narrative is not just a recount of her own journey; it serves as a catalyst for delving into the ethos and practices of Human Leadership. The book is peppered with engaging anecdotes and reflective insights that highlight the importance of empathy, authenticity, and connection in leadership roles. One of the book’s strengths lies in its emphasis on actionable advice. Nash opts for providing a constructive roadmap for evolving leadership practices, steering clear of merely critiquing conventional methods.
The inclusion of self-assessment exercises and “Pro Tips” throughout the book actively engages the reader, offering them tangible steps to enhance their leadership skills with compassion and effectiveness. Nash’s writing style is approachable and relatable, successfully weaving personal stories with professional insights. Her vivid descriptions, such as the image of a paper plate decorated with Superman stickers or the emotional resonance of receiving a handwritten note from a CEO, effectively draw the reader into the narrative. This approach not only engages the reader but also makes the material relevant and thought-provoking. The book does an excellent job of illustrating the significant impact that a human-centered approach to leadership can have in the workplace. It addresses common professional challenges, such as the silencing of diverse voices and adhering to the status quo, which will resonate with many readers.
Be Human, Lead Human: How to Connect People and Performance stands out as a thoughtful and insightful exploration of leadership. Nash offers practical advice for leaders looking to improve their approach to people management. The book is a valuable resource for leaders aiming to enhance their effectiveness and create a more engaging and fulfilling workplace in today’s dynamic work environment.
Pages: 346 | ASIN : B0BYKWRGH9
The Greatest Basketball Player I Ever Saw
The Greatest Basketball Player I Ever Saw by Dr. Len Bergantino is a touching mix of sports biography and autobiography. It is likely the most unique biography you’ll ever have the pleasure of reading. Doctor Bergantino is an eccentric writer who has already written on various subjects. However, with this book, he has turned his hand to writing a sports biography. The strange part is he has chosen to write it about a sportsman you will never have heard of who died at the tender age of 18.
The book is a biography of Billy Finn, Bergantino’s high school best friend who died in a car crash before he ever had a chance to become famous. Bergantino spends much of the book explaining why he thinks Finn was the best basketball player of all time. Finn’s abilities are described as almost supernatural. This part of the book will likely appeal to anyone interested in basketball or amateur sports.
The book isn’t just about Billy Finn, the sportsman, however. Instead, it is a monument to Finn, Bergantino’s friend. I think this is the part of the book that will really appeal to most readers. Bergantino shares with us, the reader, touching anecdotes of what he and Finn got up to as young men. His love for his childhood friend, even 50 years after his passing, is evident and touching.
Bergantino’s affection for Finn is almost infectious. The book is written in such a way that the reader finds themselves caring about a young man they had never heard of before. Finn’s personality is described as warts and all. The two young men don’t always see eye to eye, and Bergantino doesn’t shy away from this. Even the best of friends annoy each other from time to time.
The book is a short, easy read. Bergantino’s writing is energetic if a bit frantic at times. He is a fan of hyperbole, and some of his claims about Finn may have to be taken with a pinch of salt. The eccentric style is enjoyable for most of the book, but the final chapter, in which he talks about how Finn has been reincarnated, may leave some readers, myself included, feeling a little cold. It feels like this last chapter goes off on a little bit of a tangent.
All in all, The Greatest Basketball Player I Ever Saw is a touching biography of a young man you more than likely have never heard of. But, whether you’re a sports fan or not, the book is mostly a beautiful monument to a man whose best friend still bitterly misses him.
Pages: 81 | ASIN : B0865X1P48
EPIC Begins With 1 Step Forward
EPIC Begins With 1 Step Forward: How To Plan, Achieve, and Enjoy The Journey does not read like any average inspirational book. Author Zander Sprague uses relatable experiences to convey his message. This informative book will enable you to accomplish all your goals in the timeframe you want. The author shares moments in his life that gave him life-changing lessons. Sprague will make you rethink some of the decisions you have made over the years and get you to turn over a new leaf.
What I love most about this helpful book is that the author took the effort to explain how each solution he provides works. As a reader, you feel the presence of the author as he guides you on the right path. He provides many examples, obtained through research and personal experience, to explain why the steps are laid out the way they are.
Zander Sprague’s language is simple and easy to follow. Each chapter is broken down in a way that readers will be able to easily comprehend the information and can reflect on the topic. The author uses humor in parts to convey his message. The author shares his wisdom to help you remove the barriers that are stopping you from enjoying life.
The chapters on planning and achieving your dream were among the best for me. In these chapters, the author provides readers with a step-by-step guide detailing how they can achieve what they previously presumed to be impossible. He makes everything appear doable and straightforward, if one has a strategy. The overarching feeling of this inspirational book is positivity. I also enjoyed reading about ‘epic choices’ and capitalizing on one’s strengths.
EPIC Begins With 1 Step Forward: How To Plan, Achieve, and Enjoy The Journey is a comprehensive manual for hacking the most challenging things in life. This thought-provoking book will guide readers on their personal transformation journey.
Pages: 129 | ASIN : B09KZNJFBD
Seven Principles for Super-Effective Leadership
![Seven Principles for Super-Effective Leadership : Creative Strategies and Tactics to become the best Christian Boss (The Diamond Soul Character Book 2) by [George Vasilca]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41zqDSkkDWL.jpg)
Few things get my attention like the subject of leadership. Being a professional soldier for over twenty years so much of my career was based on acquiring a leadership foundation and developing it throughout the years. The Army prides itself on creating leaders of quality, whether they end their service in retirement or go on to attain the highest office in the land. So when I had the opportunity to read Seven Principles for Super-Effective Leadership I got a little tingly.
The author presents his case with clarity and a well developed thought process, making it easy for those who have had no prior training in the matter. Then he goes an extra step and ties in basic Christian principles for good measure, thus ensuring a leader of moral and spiritual quality if you choose to follow this discipline.
The religious aspect was new for me, but it read well. He flows from one subject to the next, laying out a plan of action while introducing the most important tenets of leadership on a basic level. It might be easy to dismiss the book entirely, as a hefty portion of the population does not consider itself religious, but the strength of his conviction shines through the book with the strength to at least open minds.
Seven Principles for Super-Effective Leadership is also part of George Vasilca’s Diamond Character series that is intended to produce well balanced people of character. This was a great book and a great starting point for anyone willing to become more than what they are.
I recommend Seven Principles for Super-Effective Leadership to novice AND experienced leaders. As everyone who has ever been successful in being in charge of others knows, you can never stop learning, adapting, and adjusting your delivery.
Pages: 302 | ASIN: B08MDMD3NB
LITERARY TITAN 