Applied Coaching Research Journal Volume 1 | Page 54

APPLIED COACHING RESEARCH JOURNAL 2018, Vol. 1
Book Review:
The Coach’s
Guide to Mind
Mapping
Book by: Misia Gervis and Temisan Williams, 2017
Reviewed by: Ann-Marie Bunyan, UK Coaching
For coaching to be effective it is crucial that
coaches have an in-depth knowledge of their sport,
including a good understanding of the fundamental
technical skills, and advanced strategies and tactics.
Importantly, how coaches retain and develop
this knowledge impacts on how information is
delivered. The expert coach can be distinguished
from the novice with an ability to adapt coaching
practice relative to the situation, taking into account
a number of variables; the novice coach often
simulates what they perceive to be good practice
(Nash and Sproule, 2011).
The Coach’s Guide to Mind Mapping (Gervis and
Williams, 2017) offers coaches practical guidance
and methods for using the mind-mapping technique.
Traditionally used in non-sporting contexts, mind
mapping placed within a sporting context can
encourage coaches to establish their own level
of competence in recalling technical and tactical
knowledge using memory, helping to improve the
ability to manage information, think critically and
problem solve. Replete with interactive exercises,
this guide provides a useful framework for
developing evaluation techniques and reflective
practice, and encourages coaches to identify
strengths, as well as enhance and develop specific
skills. Although the book is written using examples
based on the football practitioner, the principles can
be applied universally within any sporting context,
as well as being accessible to individuals involved
in coaching per se.
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It is important to keep in mind that this is an
interactive tool, and the reader will benefit most by
actively engaging in the exercises that are included
throughout the guide. This approach differs from
traditional ways of learning following on from
formal coaching qualifications, including
textbook/e-learning focusing on theory alone,
whereby the knowledge acquisition that takes place
may not always translate into coaching practice. The
five key sections within this guide are:
• Mastering the technique of mind mapping
• Developing expertise
• Strength-based learning and strength spotting
• Reflective practice
• Application of the principles: developing your
critical eye.
This resource is appropriate for the novice coach,
as it helps the reader to think through the process
of developing coaching skills in its entirety.
Although not specifically aimed at the expert
coach, the resource may also be useful for the more
experienced coach with more nuanced information,
such as the section on strength-based learning and
strength spotting (Part 3, pp. 84-98) which would
encourage more experienced coaches to perhaps
revisit areas for personal development.