Contacts Episode #178: Brett Peterson

Welcome to this edition of the "The Coaching Journey," a newsletter dedicated to sharing insights and advice from experienced coaches. In the interview with Brett Peterson, he discusses the struggles young coaches face in navigating the overwhelming amount of information available to them. He emphasizes the need to filter out the noise and focus on what truly aligns with their coaching philosophy. Additionally, Brett highlights the importance of coaching multiple sports, as it allows coaches to gain different perspectives and develop diverse skill sets.

10 Key Insights from Brett Peterson

• Filtering out the Noise: As a young coach, it can be challenging to parse through the abundance of information available. Brett advises coaches to take notes, listen to everyone, but ultimately narrow down what resonates with their coaching philosophy. By doing so, they can maintain focus on their main objectives and avoid getting overwhelmed.

• Less is More: Brett suggests that coaches should aim for simplicity in their coaching approach. While gathering ideas from others is valuable, it's crucial to only implement what aligns with their program. By focusing on a few key strategies, coaches can avoid overwhelming their team with too many goals or ideas.

• The Power of Effective Communication: Brett shares his experience of simplifying his coaching handbook after reading a book called "Burn Your Goals." It made him realize the importance of effective communication and simplicity to better connect with his athletes. Coaches should strive to communicate messages in a clear and concise manner to maximize comprehension and buy-in.

• The Benefits of Coaching Multiple Sports: Brett emphasizes the value in coaching other sports to gain different perspectives and diversify coaching techniques. By stepping outside their comfort zone, coaches can develop new skills and approaches that can benefit their primary sport. Brett's experience coaching track and field helped him switch things up and see kids in different areas outside the gym.

• Practicing What You Preach: While coaches often encourage athletes to participate in multiple sports, Brett highlights the importance of coaches practicing what they preach. By coaching different sports, coaches can model the importance of diverse experiences and show their athletes that they genuinely believe in the benefits of multi-sport participation.

• The Importance of Taking Breaks: Coaching can be consuming, and it's essential to find ways to take breaks and recharge. Brett found relief in coaching other sports, such as track and field, which provided a temporary break from the intensity of basketball. Taking breaks allows coaches to bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to their main sport.

• Adapting Coaching Style: Coaching different sports requires adapting coaching styles to each sport's unique demands. Brett discovered that coaching track and field required a different approach compared to basketball. Coaches should be adaptable and willing to adjust their strategies to meet the needs of different sports and teams.

• Learning from Different Coaches: Coaching multiple sports allows for exposure to different coaching styles and philosophies. Brett emphasizes the importance of learning from and seeking advice from different coaches. By embracing diverse perspectives, coaches can broaden their knowledge and apply different strategies to their own coaching approach.

• Engaging Athletes in Goal-Setting: Brett initially relied on whiteboards filled with goals during team meetings. However, he later realized the power of simplifying goals by reading "Burn Your Goals." Coaches should involve athletes in the goal-setting process, ensuring that goals are achievable, focused, and aligned with the team's overall strategy.

• Building Relationships Beyond the Gym: Coaching different sports provides opportunities to build relationships with athletes outside the gym. Brett's experience coaching track and field allowed him to interact with athletes in different environments. By connecting with athletes outside of their primary sport, coaches can develop stronger relationships and gain a deeper understanding of their athletes' overall development.

As coaches, we constantly strive to improve and enhance our coaching abilities. Brett Peterson's interview offers valuable insights that can help us navigate challenges, filter information, and adopt diverse coaching approaches. By implementing these teachable moments, we can become better coaches and provide a more impactful experience for our athletes.

Listen to his episode here

Watch his episode here: You Tube

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Best regards, Justin Clymo

What Keeps Contacts Going.