Contacts Coaching Podcast, Episode #154 with Brooke Higgins

Welcome to this edition of the "The Coaching Journey," a newsletter dedicated to sharing insights and advice from experienced coaches. In this edition, we dive into an interview with Brooke Higgins, head boys' water polo coach at Stevenson School. Brooke shares his journey, challenges, and lessons learned as he transitioned from an assistant coach to a head coach. Let's explore the 10 key takeaways from his interview that can be applied to coaching in any sport.

10 Coaching Takeaways from Brooke Higgins

• Embrace the Journey: Brooke never anticipated becoming a head water polo coach, but he embraced the opportunity. Sometimes, the unexpected path can lead to great success.

• Continuous Learning: As a new head coach, Brooke realized there was much he didn't know. He actively sought out coaching resources, attended meetings, and soaked up knowledge from experienced coaches like Adam Krikorian.

• Preparation is Key: Being prepared is crucial for success. Brooke acknowledged the importance of learning scheduling, drills, and coaching philosophies to effectively lead his team.

• On-the-Job Professional Development: While formal training is valuable, Brooke's professional development mostly happened on the job. He learned by doing, observing, and adapting to different coaching situations.

• Learning from Mistakes: Brooke reflected on a specific game where his decision-making backfired. This experience taught him the importance of analyzing mistakes, learning from them, and making adjustments for future games.

• Balancing Work and Responsibilities: As a self-proclaimed workaholic, Brooke recognized the need to balance his coaching responsibilities with other aspects of his life. Finding this balance is crucial for long-term success and personal well-being.

• Soaking up Knowledge: Brooke emphasized the importance of seeking knowledge from various coaching resources. He mentioned watching videos, attending tournaments, and engaging with experienced coaches to expand his coaching repertoire.

• Creating a Culture of Hard Work and Trust: Brooke believes in fostering a culture of hard work and trust within his team. Building strong relationships and instilling a sense of accountability are essential for team cohesion and success.

• Embracing Different Coaching Philosophies: Brooke draws inspiration from coaches in other sports, such as Bill Walsh. By exploring different coaching philosophies, he gains new perspectives and ideas to enhance his coaching approach.

• Enjoying the Journey: Despite the challenges, Brooke finds joy in his coaching journey. He encourages coaches to embrace the ups and downs, celebrate victories, and find fulfillment in the process of helping athletes grow and succeed.

Synopsis

Brooke Higgins' interview provides valuable insights for coaches and aspiring coaches alike. From embracing unexpected opportunities to continuous learning and creating a culture of hard work and trust, his journey offers valuable lessons. Remember to prepare, learn from mistakes, seek knowledge from various sources, and find balance in your coaching responsibilities. Enjoy the journey and make a positive impact on your athletes' lives. Stay tuned for more coaching insights in our upcoming newsletters.

Listen to his episode here

Watch his episode here: YouTube

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Best regards, Justin Clymo

What Keeps Contacts Going.