Category: psychology

I have just completed Coaching the Mental Game, the final course in the series led by Paddy Upton, from Deakin University via FutureLearn.

As with the previous courses, I have spent much longer than the suggested 6 hours, working through the course materials, then reading and contributing to the “below the line” conversations.

Big thanks to Paddy and Deakin University; big thanks to the other participants who joined the online discussions.

I have been left with so many things to think about, so much I can add to the coaching toolkit.

Top of the list, for me, was the discussion around self esteem – why it matters, how it differs from self confidence, how to help athletes to develop it.

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As a coach, I often challenge the players I work with to analyse their own game; only very rarely have I turned the mirror back onto my own coaching behaviours.

So Deakin University’s ‘Self-Aware Coach’ online course, led by Paddy Upton and Dr Sharon Pittaway and hosted by FutureLearn, was an opportunity not to be missed.

The course content was exceptional, the educators informed, candid and engaged, and so many of my fellow students contributed so much via their considered Comments.

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