Welcome to this edition of the "The Coaching Journey," a newsletter dedicated to sharing insights and advice from experienced coaches. In this edition, we delve into the teachings of Dustin Aubert, a Director at PGC, former collegiate coach, and Professional skill aquision coach with Tandem Sports.

Aubert shares his wisdom and experiences, providing valuable lessons for coaches looking to enhance their coaching approach. Let's dive into the top ten takeaways from the interview.

10 Coaching Takeaways from Dustin Aubert

• Coaching the way you've been coached: Aubert emphasizes the importance of coaching based on one's own experiences and upbringing. He was influenced by his father, who was a coach, and wanted to cast a vision for others while helping them achieve their goals.

• Shift, Shrink, Start: Aubert mentions a quote from James Clear about starting with who you want to be, shifting to how that person would act, shrinking to control what you can control, and then starting the process. This mindset helps him focus on personal growth and development as a coach.

• The Coach's Clap: Aubert learned the importance of positive reinforcement and showing appreciation to players during games. The Coach's Clap is a technique where coaches applaud players' efforts and actions, independent of the outcome. It helps create a positive environment and shows that the coach values the process.

• Magical Feedback: Aubert discusses the concept of Magical Feedback, which consists of 19 words that can be used to give feedback to players. “I'm giving you these comments because I have very high expectations, and I know that you can reach them.” The feedback acknowledges high expectations and believes in the player's ability to meet those expectations. It creates a sense of inclusion, sets high standards, and shows that the coach believes in the player's potential.

• Unruffleability: Aubert emphasizes the importance of teaching players how to handle tough circumstances, people, and situations with poise and control. Unruffleability involves responding rather than reacting, maintaining composure, and adapting to adversity. It is a life skill that goes beyond basketball and helps players in various situations.

• Encourage self-discovery and player autonomy: Aubert emphasizes the importance of letting players play and allowing them to have self-discovery on the court. Instead of always telling them what to do, he encourages players to communicate more and express their ideas.

• Implement the ABCD methodology for effective communication: Aubert shares a communication method called ABCD, which stands for Agree, Build, Challenge, and Go Deeper. This methodology encourages players to communicate their thoughts and ideas during discussions, fostering healthy discourse and deeper understanding.

• Create a learning environment outside of basketball: Aubert suggests getting players into a classroom-like setting where they can engage in discussions unrelated to basketball. This helps them develop their communication skills and learn how to talk to one another as humans, which translates to better communication on the court.

• Incorporate team-building activities and inside jokes: Aubert emphasizes the power of team culture and inside jokes. He shares examples like the "fishing chair" activity inspired by Dabo Sweeney and "Teach It Tuesday" inspired by Brett Brown. These activities create bonds within the team and foster a positive and inclusive team culture.

• Embrace vulnerability as a coach and leader: Aubert believes in the power of vulnerability and encourages coaches to show a more vulnerable side of themselves to build stronger connections with players. Vulnerability can create a safe environment for players to be themselves and build trust within the team.

Dustin Aubert shares valuable insights for coaches, emphasizing the importance of coaching based on personal experiences, creating a positive environment, and empowering players to take ownership. He introduces effective communication methods, encourages learning beyond basketball, and underscores the significance of vulnerability in coaching. By implementing these takeaways, coaches can enhance their coaching approach and create a supportive and successful team environment.

Listen to his episode here: ApplePodcast, Spotify

Watch his episode here: YouTube

If you enjoyed this newsletter and find it valuable, please subscribe and share widely within your network. Stay tuned for more coaching insights and success stories in our next newsletter. Wishing you a rewarding coaching journey!

Best regards, Justin Clymo

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