Dale Stevenson, former athlete and current Olympic Throws coach, discusses his transition from Olympic Shot Putter to rugby union and then to elite coaching. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the capacity and efficiency problems in sports, particularly in throws events. Dale also shares his perspective on success in coaching and the need for honesty, self-awareness, and a focus on the individual athlete. He discusses the balance between belief structures and the importance of protecting the team environment. Dale highlights the value of open and honest communication and the need to align with professionals who share the same values and beliefs. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the importance of effective communication and psychological development in coaching. They explore the challenges of finding the right psychologist to work with and the value of open and honest relationships with athletes. They also touch on the role of the coach as an agitator and the need for constant adaptation and experimentation in coaching. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of curiosity, vulnerability, and intellectual growth in coaching.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:59 Transition from Athletics to Rugby Union

05:51 Understanding Capacity and Efficiency in Sports

15:04 Defining Success in Coaching

18:45 Protecting the Team Environment

32:04 The Importance of Open and Honest Communication

42:52 Managing Belief Structures and External Influences

49:13 Effective Communication and Psychological Development

51:03 Finding the Right Psychologist

53:05 The Role of the Coach as an Agitator

55:15 Adaptation and Experimentation in Coaching

01:30:14 The Value of Curiosity, Vulnerability, and Intellectual Growth

Melbourne Athletic Development is a sports and injury management clinic based in Melbourne, Australia. To maximise your performance or optimise your injury management contact the team at www.melbourneathleticdevelopment.com.au