<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Book review by Krishnaswamy S<\/em>ubramanian<\/strong>, ACC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Paddy Upton is a successful professional cricket coach, mental conditioning expert working with leading professional athletes, a sports scientist and an Executive coach. He holds master’s degrees in Sport Psychology and in Business Coaching. He has also been appointed as a Professor of Practice at Deakin University, recognizing his innovative coaching approach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Professional coaching is often associated with instruction-led, directive styled coaching, frequently drawing parallels with traditional sports coaching. However, The Barefoot Coach<\/em> by Paddy Upton has redefined this completely taking coaching beyond the game\u2019s nuances. Upton along with Gary Kirsten has revolutionized sports coaching with a transformative approach rooted in self-awareness and professional maturity. This book is a compelling and insightful read that explores the full spectrum of coaching competencies, set against the rich and enticing backdrop of cricket. Through interesting anecdotes and real-life stories featuring some of the game\u2019s greatest players and iconic matches, Upton seamlessly bridges the world of sport and personal development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The book begins with Upton\u2019s early work in the underprivileged communities of South Africa, setting the tone for his purpose-driven approach to life and coaching. The turning point comes when he is introduced to Executive coaching and then partners with cricketing legend Gary Kirsten embarking on a journey of self-evolution and evolving as a Transformation coach. His purpose is to help people become their own best coach, guiding them to become masters of their profession and of their own lives, embarking on a path of self-mastery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The book has two powerful narratives interwoven, one involving his core values, beliefs, powerful coaching competencies blended in his unique style of self-driven, inside-out coaching. Second involved the Indian cricket team and team members\u2019 transformation journey from an early World Cup exit in 2007 to becoming world champions in 2011.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key highlights from the book include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other highlights include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The retelling of the 2011 World Cup journey through the coach\u2019s eyes is nothing short of a riveting roller coaster ride\u2014 nostalgic, emotional and studded with moments of pride, culminating in a euphoric triumph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In essence, Barefoot coach is not just for sports enthusiasts, it is a guide for leaders, coaches, mentors who believe in servant leadership and in the pursuit of helping others grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But why \u201cBarefoot\u201d coach? since he is too \u2018grounded\u2019? since he is a \u201csurfer\u201d?! Let me leave it as a \u2018Foot\u2019 for thought for the readers to figure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Book review by Krishnaswamy Subramanian, ACC Paddy Upton is a successful professional cricket coach, mental conditioning expert working with leading professional athletes, a sports scientist and an Executive coach. He […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":900,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-898","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-book-reviews"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n