Coaching Athletes to Be Their Best: Motivational Interviewing in Sports

by Stephen Rollnick, Jonathan Fader, Jeff Breckon

The measure of a great coach is bringing the best out of athletes. This is the first guide to motivational interviewing (MI)--the proven approach to harnessing the power of conversations to build relationships and trust--for coaches, sport psychologists, training and rehabilitation specialists, and other affiliated staff. Revealing why conventional ways of giving feedback and addressing conflict are often counterproductive, the book presents tried-and-tested methods for getting through to athletes and helping them to thrive. Leading sport psychologists and MI experts--including MI cofounder Stephen Rollnick--provide effective strategies to fire up motivation, promote ownership of personal goals, address problem behavior on and off the field, enhance performance, and improve teamwork. Included are step-by-step examples and inspiring stories from coaches at all levels. Purchasers get access to a Web page where they can download and print the book's reproducible quick-reference sheets on key MI skills.
 
This book is in the Applications of Motivational Interviewing series, edited by Stephen Rollnick, William R. Miller, and Theresa B. Moyers.

Genres: Sports, Psychology

218 pages, Paperback

Published November 13, 2019

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times seems like overexplaining either basic coaching concepts or basic empathy statement / listening skills if you have read about those elsewhere, but that is a small price to pay for a clear guidebook on ways to use MI (which to me boils down to listening (empathy) statements and honing in on 'change language' / opportunities to reinforce athlete's motivation to change). The book applies this process in a great variety of coaching contexts and possible conversations that can come up!

[Harriett Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many helpful pearls that apply not just to coaching. I can't wait to read it again. My favorite pearl that I've been using day in and day out to help connect with others: asking questions that start with the word how or what. Maybe everyone already knows the effect of this, but if you haven't tried it - definitely something to consider when you are trying to understand others.

[Travis Wyant · Rating 5 out of 5]

So impressed with the usefulness of this book. This book has immediately changed my coaching style and how I talk with my athletes. It will define my team’s culture moving forward. I think the book explained a process in a way that’s digestible and easy to implement. I will say some of the scenarios were annoying to “listen” to as they repeat them.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best straightforward coaching book I have read. Lots of cut and dry techniques for connecting and communicating with athletes. I have several passages highlighted that I will be coming back to over and over again.

[Conor Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely essential reading for coaches. An emphasis on listening and understanding for better communication will always foster quality relationships and team work

[Luke Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends, what could be said that would motivate you to read this book?

Pretend I said that.

With love,

Luke

[Megan Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the idea of MI, found the examples to be a touch unrealistic and very repetitive.

[Julia MacPherson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good with lots of actual scenarios and conversations, but very repetitive.

[Emilie Ch · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could not finish it. The over-explaining of basic concepts was just so boring.