Sports Coach #151: Peter McGahey - A Journey through Player-Centered Coaching

The Coaching Podcast

Welcome to Season 6 of The Coaching Podcast, where we explore coaching philosophy, player development, and the essence of becoming the best version of oneself. Our host, Emma Doyle, has a wonderful conversation with Dr. Peter McGahey, a seasoned teaching assistant professor at West Virginia University and a distinguished Coach Developer. Together, they talk about what drives people to coach and the pivotal role coaches play in shaping the lives of those they mentor. Join us as we navigate through thought-provoking questions and visionary insights that challenge traditional coaching norms. It's not just about the game; it's about unlocking the learning that lies within us. Welcome to a journey of discovery, growth, and the pursuit of excellence.

Here is a summary of the key points;

• 0.58: Do you prefer sunrise or sunset?
• 1.12: Why do you coach?
  • To help people become the best version of themselves
• 1.47: When did you discover that you wanted to become a coach?
• 3.24: Is there someone out there who believes in you?
• 3.52: Who was that coach or person that CHOSE to believe in you?
• 7.34: Is it possible for a parent to coach their children/child?
  • 50: Are parents the biggest problem in youth sports?
  • As a parent, do you have clearly defined roles between being a parent and being a coach? Be respectful of the different roles.
  • Dad answer: “I love watching you play.”
• 34: What’s the difference between teaching, coaching, coach developing?
  • The common thread: “You are helping people discover the best version of themselves.”
  • 45: What makes a great coach? (WMAGC)
    • Care – do you care about them as a person first?
    • Joy- Do you have a feeling of real content and enjoyment when you coach? Do you create joy in the sports experience for your athletes/team members/players?
    • Passion – Do you have passion for your sport? Do you have a passion for people to reach their potential?
  • 31: Story about the great coaching qualities mentioned above.
  • 16.43: It’s about unlocking the learning that is in front of us …
  • 03: How do you deal with a coach who doesn’t agree with a game-centered approach to learning?
    • Respect different opinions (adopt a growth mindset)
    • Meet the person where they are … instead – listen and learn to choose your moments when to share.
    • What’s your preferred coaching style? Are you more direct or indirect with your communication?
  • 22.00: Park your ego and meet people where they are at
  • 42: In the ever-evolving coaching landscape what disruptive idea do you have that will disrupt the way that we coach in 2030?
    • We have evolved from finding games and drills.
    • How do we impact and how do we communicate more effectively with people?
    • We are not coaching robots! We are coaching people!
    • Remote learning in ways that we could have never imagined will happen!
  • 25.32: One thing AI can’t teach is curiosity!
  • 00: Don’t rush your soccer penalty kicks!
  • 45: As coaches, soon we are going to be able to view film from the player’s perspective. What did the athlete see? How can I support them in their learning?
  • 53: Book: Grassroots Coaching Top 3 tips: 97 years of age COACH and a World War II person.
    • Selective perception – they see everything through their lens/their eyes (so acknowledge it and accept it). They can be correct in their perspective but incorrect in their environment.
    • Player readiness – physical, emotional, spiritual (whole person) = positive experience
      • Take a longer-term view
    • Closure – are you bringing your athletes (or workplace team members) to closure?

The Coaching Podcast is sponsored by The Sampson Agency - a talent entertainment and sports management company owned and operated by Tina Samara.

Visit: www.thesampsonagency.com or email: [e-mail]

To learn more about becoming a workplace coach or advancing your coaching skills, visit: www.opendoorcoachingusa.com or email: [e-mail]

About Peter McGahey

Dr. Peter McGahey is a teaching assistant professor at West Virginia University in the School of Sport Sciences and a Coach Developer and the Technical Lead for the C-Course with U.S. Soccer. He has degrees in Educational Leadership, Physical Education/Sport Coaching, Human Performance and Sport and Communications. He holds both a United States Soccer Federation ‘A’ License and a ‘Youth’ License. McGahey served as a NCAA Division I and II Women’s and Men’s Head and Assistant Soccer Coach for over 20 years. McGahey has coached athletes all along the developmental pathway and developed programming at the local club, state, and national levels. Most recently serving as an Assistant Coach with CP Soccer, Technical Advisor to Down Syndrome Sports of America, the West Virginia Soccer Association - Olympic Development Program Director, and a pre-academy coach at Mountaineer United Soccer Club. Additionally, McGahey is the co-author alongside Dr. Peter Pierro of Grassroots Coaching: Using sports psychology and coaching principles effectively.

Connect with Peter

Website: https://www.beyourbest2day.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpetermcgahey/

Insta: @BUrBest2day