The Barefoot Coach: Life-Changing Insights from Coaching the World's Best Cricketers

Penguin eBury Press. Paperback. NEW. In 2008, Gary Kirsten and Paddy Upton were appointed as the coaches of the Indian cricket team. They set ambitious goals for themselves, aiming to win the World Cup in 2011 and to make the Indian team the number one Test team in the world. Through their innovative and creative coaching methods, they not only achieved these goals but also accomplished much more. Paddy Upton's journey in the field of cricket coaching is remarkable. He made history as the cricket world's first fitness trainer when he worked with the South African cricket team. This role allowed him to revolutionize the way fitness was viewed in the sport. With his expertise, he helped players understand the importance of physical conditioning and its impact on their performance on the field. After his successful stint with the South African team, Paddy Upton ventured into mental coaching in professional sport. He realized that the mental aspect played a crucial role in an athlete's performance. By working closely with players and helping them overcome mental barriers, he was able to elevate their game. In 2012, Paddy Upton took on a new challenge as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. This experience gave him the opportunity to further apply his coaching skills and strategies. Under his guidance, the team achieved great success and reached new heights. Since then, Paddy Upton has continued to make his mark in the world of cricket coaching. He has coached five teams over thirteen seasons across three of the world's premier T20 leagues. His ability to adapt his coaching methods to different teams and situations is a testament to his expertise and versatility as a coach. "The Barefoot Coach" is a book that encapsulates Paddy Upton's unconventional approach to coaching. It is filled with his out-of-the-box thinking and illuminating anecdotes on various topics such as winning, preparation, failure, and overcoming life's challenges. The book offers unique insights into his coaching philosophy and provides readers with practical advice on how to enhance their performance, not just in sports but in all aspects of their lives. One of the key principles emphasized in "The Barefoot Coach" is the importance of preparation. Paddy believes that success is not solely determined by talent alone but also by the level of preparation one puts in. He highlights the significance of setting clear goals, developing a strong work ethic, and constantly seeking improvement. Another aspect of coaching that Paddy delves into is the power of failure. He encourages athletes and individuals to view failure as an opportunity for growth and learning. Through his own experiences and those of the teams he has coached, Paddy demonstrates how failure can be a stepping stone towards future success. While cricket is the backdrop of Paddy Upton's coaching journey, he also draws insights from extreme sports. These breakaways into extreme sport provide readers with a fresh perspective and expand the horizons of traditional coaching methods. By exploring unconventional approaches, Paddy encourages others to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. In conclusion, Gary Kirsten and Paddy Upton's coaching journey with the Indian cricket team is a testament to their innovative and creative methods. Their goals of winning the World Cup and becoming the number one Test team were not only achieved but surpassed. Paddy Upton's journey in cricket coaching further exemplifies his expertise and versatility as a coach. "The Barefoot Coach" offers readers a glimpse into his unconventional approach to coaching, providing valuable insights and practical advice on enhancing performance and overcoming life's challenges.