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Better Way to Lead/Teach

Cole Parsley Author Interview

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

Are you stepping into the role of coaching your son’s sports team? With youth leagues seeking dedicated mentors worldwide, this book becomes an invaluable guide. Delve into 17 essential rules meticulously crafted to empower you to excel in coaching. In a reading landscape often silent on coaching youth sports, this book emerges as a vital must-read.


From Dad to Coach: 17 Rules for Coaching Youth Sports

Cole Parsley’s From Dad to Coach is a compelling and insightful collection of effective coaching practices drawn from his extensive experience coaching young athletes and incorporating the strategies and perspectives of other renowned coaches. Parsley candidly shares the mistakes and challenges he faced, offering valuable lessons on how to avoid and rectify these errors. Readers will learn why overly complex strategies and demanding drills can hinder student growth, how to effectively communicate with referees even in contentious situations, and the impact of aggressive parents and discordant assistant coaches on coaching success. Prepare to be enlightened by Cole’s engaging stories, his recommended reading, and the exceptional coaching strategies detailed in From Dad to Coach.

Parsley’s willingness to openly discuss his flaws and mistakes makes this book a highly instructive and illuminating guide. Few people would admit to ignoring advice about simplicity in their first year of coaching, but Cole does so with refreshing honesty. He provides vivid accounts of his coaching failures and successes, allowing readers to learn from his experiences and avoid similar pitfalls. His writing style is fluid and natural, making it easy for readers to absorb and apply the lessons. The book’s lessons are presented in an engaging manner, complemented by enlightening stories and references to influential works such as Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People and Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. From Dad to Coach is packed with useful information and thoughtful coaching guidelines for maintaining professionalism and a positive mindset. It offers valuable psychological insights and social skills applicable both during games and off the court. One of the standout quotes from the book emphasizes the importance of respecting “everyone, including referees and umpires, with humility and kindness.”

Any coach serious about their career will find this book to be an invaluable lifelong companion. Its messages are conveyed concisely and efficiently, enriched with stories from esteemed coaching experts and Cole’s honest personal anecdotes. From Dad to Coach is a must-read for coaches seeking to improve their craft. Read it, learn from it, and put its teachings into practice immediately.

Pages: 96 | ASIN : B0D3W1SJBX

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