Reviewing comments from recent interview with Matt Wilkie, IRFU’s head of coach development, I wanted to look at the importance of coach-athlete relationships and techniques for building meaningful, impactful relationships. Ideas such as focusing on communication and connection to create bonds and relationships for long term athlete participation, enjoyment and development and other ideas are supported by reviewing relevant research.

After some recent strong pushback surrounding an area of research and theoretical ideas I favour, which are being tested in education, sport and other industries, I decided to remind myself about growth mindset and where these opposed ideas were possibly coming from. Like suggested, growth mindset is exactly that; a mindset, not a quick fix solution or broad paint brush to offer passion and resilience to development for all athletes or students. I believe on adopting a growth mindset, athletes are accepting or acknowledging "failures" as part of development which help the person and program grow if we learn and grow from mistakes made. Like suggested, it’s helping students or players find their own path and preferred methodologies for overcoming “bumps in the road” or difficult periods of development. While we may not directly see a boost in grades or subject specific success, we are going to develop resilient and passionate people whom embrace challenges, display effort to pursue mastery and learn from personal setbacks, other’s success and feedback offered; can we agree that these are traits we want instilled in our children, students or athletes or are we focused on intelligence determined by SPAG and maths results?

As we prepare for 2019 NBA Draft, the buzz and excitement of an expected busy off-season ignited by player selections to make up NBA sides rosters next year shall reach new heights in a few hours. However, with the the media attention and public anticipation, how do these fresh-faced superstars stay grounded, focused and motivated as they shall prepare for their newest and biggest challenge of entering into the premier basketball competition and where do the role of coaches fit into these scenarios?

A focus on empathy and close, meaningful relationships between coaches, players and all stakeholders involved offers meaningful impact and actions by the players. Players drive their own development and reflect on personal and collective performance to allow the coach to offer closeness and desired commitment to their relationships through autonomy supportive practices. This article looks at how Klopp and Pochettino’s focus on relationships, empathy and player-centred approaches led them to the final this year but has set behaviours which shall strengthen and develop their squads for years to come.

Current piece of writing looking at how introducing ideas such as Vygotsky’s ZPD and Wood, Bruner and Ross’ scaffolding techniques can motivate modern day athletes by offering autonomy supportive practices and offering engagement and drive through understanding and supporting individual’s intrinsic motivations.