Coaching is a booming and growing industry, particularly in youth sports. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of coaches and scouts is projected to grow 12 percent from 2019 - 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Coaches need educational resources to enter the profession as either a paid coach or a volunteer. Grassroots Coaching: Using Sports Psychology and Coaching Principles Effectively is a practical exploration of coaching that focuses on the key tasks of the coach, while providing immediately applicable behaviors and concepts. The essential responsibilities and privileges of coaching are introduced along with the appropriate accompanying sport psychology and coaching principles. This book is structured as a personal independent reader and an organization trainer/reference manual. Opportunities for self-reflection and exploration are provided throughout. Utilizing examples from many sports, Grassroots Coaching offers practical coaching insights and techniques for all coaches, from the novice coach just beginning their coaching journey to the veteran coach looking to touch up their skills. This book is sure to become a foundational resource on every coach's bookshelf.
Dr. Peter J. McGahey and Dr. Peter S. Pierro are coach developers and coaches. Both have coached at multiple levels and understand the responsibilities and privileges of building people through sport.
Prologue Chapter 1. Our Vision for Youth Sports and Youth Coaches Chapter 2. Leading Yourself Chapter 3. Leading the Player Chapter 4. Leading the Team Chapter 5. Coaching Practice Chapter 6. Coaching Games Chapter 7. Partnering with Parents Chapter 8. Moving Forward: The Best is Yet to Come! Epilogue Appendix About the Authors
I consider Peter to be an elite soccer coach for players of all ages and genders as he genuinely cares about the player from a holistic point of view. Peter is a true professional with a great sense of humor. He has had a major influence on both the growth and development of the game of soccer in the USA. -- Michael Dickey, director of coaching and player development, Mockingbird Valley Premier Soccer Club; National Coaching Education and Scouting Staff, United States Soccer Federation; former head coach of Jordanian Women's National Soccer Team As a former youth baseball coach, I was excited to hear that Peter was writing another book. Peter has an incredible depth of wisdom to share with grassroots coaches-insights into how coaches should interact with their players so that learning how to play while experiencing the joy of playing can be achieved by everyone involved. "A player's mistake is a signal to the coach to where this person can be helped," makes a lot of sense to me. Grassroots Coaching: Using Sports Psychology and Coaching Principles Effectively has tons of information and philosophy that would have helped me during by coaching endeavors. This is a book for every coach's library. -- Philip Hurley, former youth baseball coach Through Peter's mentorship, I was able to grow my ability to coach and lead a team. He has an incredible ability to breakdown information into actionable tools and strategies that I continue to use daily. Peter's focus has and always will be on the players and how we, as coaches, can create an environment where they can become the best versions of themselves. -- Sarah Leiby, Dartmouth College Women's Soccer assistant coach and United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30, Class of 2019 Peter is a scholar, leader, and educator. He views the educational landscape as an opportunity to set goals for his students and himself, along with a plan to achieve those goals. Making a difference is always a goal for Peter. -- Marcy Weston, Hall of Fame College administrator, instructor, and coach; NCAA National Coordinator of Women's Basketball Officiating (retired) Awesome, a coaching book written by a coach! Peter's wide range of coaching experiences will positively impact coaches at all levels with practical insight and strategies. Grassroots Coaching: Using Sports Psychology and Coaching Principles Effectively is a resource to help your players and teams grow faster and find real joy in playing their sport. -- John Bonamego, senior coaching assistant, Los Angeles Rams, NFL What is the recipe that transforms a good coach into an exceptional coach? For five years, my two boys had the awesome experience of training with Coach Peter, the most exceptional coach we've ever worked with. Energetic and fun, caring and supportive; he is a truly amazing teacher. He helped our boys build their athletic skills while simultaneously building their motivation to put forth their best effort. He celebrated their victories with them and helped them through their tough moments. He taught them the value of being part of a team. Best of all, through the personal connection he was able to create with them, he helped them believe in themselves, which is the greatest gift someone can give to another person. Come to think of it, "exceptional" is not a strong enough word. What word could possibly measure up? All I know is that Coach Peter's positive influence deeply touched our lives, making them better overall, and we will be forever grateful. -- Deb Mead, mother of Sean and Jacob, former TOP soccer players at Midland Soccer Club
