Paul Moseley's coaching journey

Paul Moseley has been coaching and volunteering for over 30 years, predominantly specialising in disability and para athletics. This journey has provided him with invaluable experiences. He tells us about his coaching philosophy, techniques and tips.

My coaching philosophy is athlete-centred, focusing on the individual while supporting a diverse group environment. I also believe strongly in creating a fun and enjoyable team dynamic.

My coaching has been shaped by a commitment to continuous learning and a curiosity to explore and challenge what we do. I regularly ask myself: Could we do this differently or better? After each session, I reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Importantly, I focus my reflection on my own actions - what I did, how I said it, my timing, tone, and body language - recognising that these all influence athletes, both positively and negatively. Every athlete is unique, so I also consider how each individual might respond to different approaches.

Being athlete-centred

Becoming truly athlete-centred starts with getting to know the athletes and understanding how they prefer to train. Open communication builds trust and fosters a two-way relationship. For example, I involve athletes in the development of their training plans, ensuring we target areas they want to work on. I’m also clear about the purpose of each session and the goals we set. It’s a collaborative process, not something I dictate. Of course, we don’t always get it right - but that’s where reflection comes in, helping us learn and move forward.

Valuable coaching skills

The coaching skills taught in Coach Education programmes - many of which have been around for decades - are incredibly valuable when working with a diverse group of athletes. These include clear, concise communication; using open-ended questions to check understanding or gather feedback; and maintaining a focus on one or two key technical points during training. By letting athletes know what I’m observing - for example, "I’ll be watching your arm position" - they become more conscious (both actively and subconsciously) of that technical focus, and it also helps guide my own attention and feedback.

Here are a few top tips from my coaching journey:

• Be curious. Ask questions, explore, and adapt ideas to suit your environment. Don’t just copy others.
• Get to know your athletes. Take time to understand who they are and how they like to work.
• Reflect. Think about what went well and what didn’t - and also consider how your actions may have influenced outcomes.
• Adapt your style. Different athletes respond to different approaches. Some enjoy humour and conversation, while others prefer directness. Flexibility is key.
• Have fun! Why wouldn’t you want to enjoy what you’re doing?