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
The Classic Underdog Story
Here Come the Mice: The Jet Stream Team follows a basketball team invited to attend the Olympic Games only to find themselves lending a hand when disaster strikes the US Olympic Men’s Basketball team. Where did the idea for this story come from?
The idea for Here Come the Mice: The Jet Stream Team emerged from my passion for the Olympics and basketball. As I eagerly awaited the announcement of the 2024 team’s name, I began brainstorming my own team name. This initial idea quickly evolved into a full storyline. Inspired by the iconic “Dream Team” and “Redeem Team,” I thought the 2024 team name would follow a similar pattern. They didn’t but I did, so it’s a win-win for me.
Is there anything from your own life included in Here Come the Mice?
Yes, the Here Come the Mice series is inspired by my older brother and his experiences in a basketball summer league in Ohio. Additionally, I included myself in the story as a character on the plane with my college best friend, Milton, who is the coach for the U.S. team in the book. There are also cameos of my family throughout the story, like my wife with the blue dog in her lap.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It was important for me to emphasize themes of triumph and the classic underdog story, which resonates with both kids and adults. Everyone loves rooting for the underdog, and it’s a powerful reminder of perseverance and resilience. I wanted to ensure a safe and happy ending for all characters. Additionally, I aimed to draw parallels between the predicaments faced by the U.S. team and the unexpected challenges encountered by the Mice Team.
Can young readers look forward to more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes, The Underdog Collection consists of a three-book series. The first book is titled Here Come the Mice: An Underdog Story, and the second book, Space Jelly, kicks off with the main character’s love of peanut butter and jelly, then evolves into a triumphant adventure for kids and adults. All three books revolve around the underdog theme. I’m sure I’ll have another adventure for them soon.
Additionally, I have a second book series called The Mini Tales Collection by Reggie. This series features a collection of entertaining short stories with several hilarious characters inspired by my real-life family. The stories span my childhood and are written and drawn from my perspective. It’s an absolutely funny family series, and I have a new book coming out this fall called Total Chaos, showcasing the chaos, memories, and funny stories that take place in a household of eight.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In a stroke of literary brilliance, Reginald P. Howard masterfully crafts a narrative around the Mice Team’s uproarious journey. Unintentionally becoming game-changers in a larger scenario, the team not only causes a mid-air hiccup for the USA men’s basketball team but also finds themselves catapulted into a life of luxury in the City of Lights. Prepare for a sky-high adventure as the Mice, an unlikely basketball team, soar through the clouds and into the heart of the Paris 2024 Olympics. As they navigate this unexpected turn of events, they emerge not only as winners but also as unlikely heroes in the world of men’s basketball. Get ready to cheer as these underdog athletes strive for gold.
Here Come the Mice: The Jet Stream Team
In Here Come the Mice by Reginald P. Howard, Coach Howell of the Muskogee Tech Mice has a thrilling surprise for his basketball team after a demanding season. They have been invited by Coach Milton Conner of the US Olympic Men’s Basketball team to attend the Olympic Games in Paris! The excitement is palpable as both teams prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable experience. However, when an unforeseen disaster strikes, the US Men’s Basketball Team finds themselves in an unexpected predicament. The Muskogee Tech Mice must step up to save the day, leading to a fast-paced and exhilarating adventure.
Howard’s narrative is a delightful blend of humor and excitement, with each page brimming with unexpected twists and turns. The lighthearted tone is complemented by engaging illustrations that enhance the story’s cheerful atmosphere. Despite facing numerous challenges, the characters’ humorous escapades ensure a constant stream of laughter, making it an enjoyable read from start to finish.
The adventure wraps up on a satisfying note, leaving readers eager for more tales from this captivating universe. Here Come the Mice is successfully draws readers into a whimsical and fun-filled adventure. Ideal for an afternoon read, this story of overcoming obstacles and embracing fun is perfect for readers aged 10 and up who enjoy high-stakes adventures, sports, and a hearty laugh.
Here Come the Mice, by Reginald P. Howard, is a charming and engaging tale that combines the excitement of sports with the thrill of an unexpected adventure. The book’s humor, fast-paced narrative, and delightful illustrations make it a standout choice for young readers. Perfect for those who love a mix of high-stakes excitement and lighthearted fun, this book is sure to captivate and entertain. Whether you’re a fan of basketball, adventure stories, or just looking for a good laugh, this book is a delightful read that promises to leave you smiling.
Pages: 162 | ASIN : B0D344NZTG
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…
Kings of the County League: One Summer, One Team, One Dynasty
In a story that will touch the heart of the readers, Kings of the County League: One Summer, One Team, One Dynasty is a feel-good story that makes one glad to be American. This impassioned story is all about the “Great American Past time,” but not in the way that most would expect.
Author Craig Ohlau has done a marvelous job of immersing the reader into the world of semi-pro baseball; which is his world. In sharing his experience as one of the members of The Kings of the County League, Mr. Ohlau has not only opened up an entirely different perspective of one of our beloved games, but in the process will more than likely convert even some of the most loyal fans of MLB to the semi-pro aspect. He does on excellent job of painting a vivid picture of the differences between the two levels of the game and illuminating the supposed “lower” levels of the game, that most people think players go to die or that they can’t quite cut it in the big league. I beg to differ, and you will too after you read this rousing book.
As this is a real-life story, I can say that the story reads like a good fiction novel. The author does a fantastic job of fleshing out the characters in the story, which were his real-life teammates. The story is a first-hand account of one summer that is told from a first-person perspective, but I suspect that Craig Ohlau is simply speaking from his heart when writing this book, as readers will be able to tell that it came from a place of love.
I highly recommend Kings of the County League to readers who want a feel-good story that shows what amounts to the triumph of “the little guy”. This spirited story may in fact change one’s view that the “little guy” is actually the coolest.
Pages: 259 | ASIN: B08KWQXB74
Red Cagle: West Point’s Three-Time All-American
Christian Keener Cagle was a born athlete. Nicknamed “Red,” Cagle was destined for greatness. From a rural upbringing in Louisiana to college at West Point, Cagle excelled at any sport he tried. His competitive nature followed him throughout his short but fascinating life.
Red Cagle: West Point’s Three-Time All-American, by Cathy C. Post, is a riveting biographical account of an extraordinary athlete. Cagle never set out to be a nationally known athlete. He grew up as a true cowboy on his family’s ranch in Louisiana. He loved the sport of football like he did all other sports. He was a natural, despite his relatively small stature for a football player. He was lightning-fast, and colleges picked up on his prowess. Southwestern Louisiana Institute and the prestigious West Point vied for his attention and won. The National Football League came knocking, and Cagle answered. He gained an extraordinary level of fame while representing his chosen schools and then the NFL, but it did come at a price. Should he stay true to his sweetheart, Marion? Should he break a code of honor? What about all his fans flocking to arenas to witness his amazing athleticism? How can one person keep everyone happy?
Author Cathy C. Post is a master at drawing in the reader with her smart inclusion of details and the way in which she is able to give readers a look at the inner workings of West Point. This compelling biography will appeal to readers that have a love of football because of her play-by-play recounting of Cagle’s football games in which he participated. The games offer so much: danger, camaraderie, and fierce competition, and readers are able to understand and appreciate this due to the authors fantastic writing. Post puts the reader right in the middle of it all. The author also provides an interesting look at the history of football such as when President Theodore Roosevelt “slammed down the hammer”. He vowed to abolish the game unless “major changes were put in place.” This insistence from President Roosevelt led to the creation of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). It’s things like this that make this book enlightening as well as entertaining.
Fans of sports biographies will delight in the details of a young hero out of the South in the 1920s playing “America’s game.” Readers of all kinds will enjoy Red Cagle: West Point’s Three-Time All-American because of Cathy C. Post’s engaging storytelling.
Pages: 208 | ISBN: 1455625159
Running Dreams
Running Dreams by Carlos Servan is a story about determination and following your goals. The author details his life with the Peruvian army and the important choices he makes to dedicate his life to an important role, with physical and mental fitness preparation and a focused mindset. He realizes his dreams when he enters his first year as a cadet at the School of Officers for the Peruvian Investigation Police, entering his first patrol, which changes his life.
This book begins with the author’s childhood, where his dreams center around protecting his country, which would eventually become realized and change the direction of his life in unexpected and sometimes dangerous ways. I appreciated the amount of effort spent on detailing childhood memories, which creates a clear picture of Servan’s personality, family relations, Peruvian background, and ambition.
I found the book to be deeply moving and impactful, as the author details not only his rise to success within his early adulthood but the challenges he faces and his ability to cope. There is sincere openness throughout the book, which gives readers a sense of Servan’s personality and impressive resilience as a hero. This stirring memoir gives readers a sense of inspiration and understanding about the author and his incredible journey.
Running Dreams is a beautifully written story about strength and determination. Carlos Servan has written a fantastic memoir that instills hope and faith in readers through an incredible story that will keep you engaged from the very start.
Pages 278 | ASIN 1639886435
