Teach the Game, Not the Drill: A Coaching Shift in America

If you're serious about getting better, explore our NEW Coach Challenge MatchPlay Cards here 🔗 https://thecoachinglab.org/products/coach-matchplay-cards?utm_source=copyToPasteBoard&utm_medium=product-links&utm_content=web In this episode of The Coaching Lab Podcast, we sit down with Panda, Head of Hockey at Oundle School, to explore what coach development really needs in the modern world.Together, we challenge the traditional model of coach education, moving beyond one-off courses and content-heavy delivery, and instead focus on what actually changes behaviour: ongoing support, better conversations, and practical tools that coaches can use in real time. Drawing on Panda’s experience leading a school programme, we unpack the realities of supporting a diverse coaching workforce, from teachers to external coaches, and the challenges of creating consistency across a department.

Janet and Emily, two curious field hockey coaches from the US embarked in 12 months of mentorship with The Coaching Lab. Here's what happens when you give the game back to the players. Want to explore how The Coaching Lab mentoring can support and transform your coaching in 2026? Let's chat - https://thecoachinglab.org/pages/contact

Ashley Gumbrell is a coach developer and football educator known for his work in modernising how coaches think about learning, decision-making, and player development in the game. With a strong focus on game-based learning and player-centred coaching, Ashley has spent years supporting coaches to move beyond traditional drills and create environments where players learn through the game itself.New Coach Development MatchPlay Cards here. @The_CoachingLab

The last podcast for 2025 and maybe the coolest story of MatchPlay Cards yet!

Hertfordshire Polo Academy was founded by brothers Alec and Edward Banner-Eve in 2012.Inspired by their passion for horses and sports the polo academy has gone from strength to strength for the last decade. Nurturing some of the country's best and up and coming talents, from not necessarily the most traditional polo backgrounds.Reflection MatchPlay Cards 👉🏼🔗https://thecoachinglab.org/products/reflection-matchplay-cards

The people we coach today are the coaches of tomorrow. If nothing changes, nothing changes. Want to be a game changer? Come and join our online course - https://thecoachinglab.org/pages/game-changer-2025-online-sports-coaching-courseNetball MatchPlay Cards OUT NOW - https://thecoachinglab.org/pages/netball-matchplay-cards

Want to become a game changer like Phillip? He was one of the first to complete our ALL NEW "How to be a game changing coach" online course. Apply for our next cohort here: https://thecoachinglab.org/pages/game-changer-2025-online-sports-coaching-course

Director of T5 Football in Sydney, Tom Fay gets what coaching is all about! Listen to hear Tom share his experiences from player to coach and how he is breaking tradition in youth sport. We are so lucky to have Tom using The Coaching Lab MatchPlay Cards!Joined our new self-paced “How to be a game changer” online course yet? - https://thecoachinglab.org/pages/game-changer-2025-online-sports-coaching-courseNEW Netball MatchPlay Cards OUT NOW - https://thecoachinglab.org/pages/netball-matchplay-cards

When MatchPlay Cards champion user Rus Smith came into town we had to sit down over a coffee and record something. Enjoy this bitesize pod as Rus shares how he is maximising MatchPlay Cards in his new coaching programs with Sport Englands Play Their Way and his own Black Country Coaches Club. 

Using a concept curriculum Supporting staff with MatchPlay Cards©️ More than just technical and tactical Why pupils love MatchPlay Cards©️ SAVE 10% on MatchPlay Cards©️ with code PODCAST 🛒 https://www.thecoachinglab.org/[email protected] / @The_CoachingLab