Webinar – Jonty Skinner: Leading Through A Holistic Approach

We kicked-off our Monthly Educational Campaign on Leadership with a new episode of our Webinar Series. Chris P., Rush Soccer’s Developmental Director, discussed Leading The Person with our guest, Jonty Skinner, four-decade experienced coach, having worked as USA Swimming’s Director of National Team Technical Support, and International Swimming Hall Of Fame member.

Leading The Person:

“You have to understand that things that you’ve learned from playing the game and training to get better, are things that will carry you through all your life. So, I think is really important for coaches to find ways of taking teaching moments in the training sessions, and helping kids understand that what they are doing on the pitch, helps them become a better person.”

One of the coaching aspects that Jonty highlights is the necessity of having a holistic approach:

“If you can improve the holistic side of your athletes on the field, they are going to perform better on the tactical and technical level. It doesn’t matter what sport you are in, if you focus a lot more on the holistic side, I think everyone gets better.” – Jonty Skinner.

What’s fundamental on a holistic coaching approach?

“You must have conversations with the athlete that have nothing to do with the sport. You have to know the athlete; you begin to understand him or her. Getting to know the athlete and letting the athlete know you as a human being, sets the groundwork to this relationship. You have to find time to interact with your athletes on a personal, one-on-one level. If you don’t create that foundation, everything that comes beyond isn’t as valuable for both of you.”

Missed it? Don’t worry, we recorded it!