In this episode of Beyond Coaching, we sit down with John Kessel, the retired Director of Sport Development at USA Volleyball. With over five decades of coaching experience and contributions spanning nearly 100 countries, John shares his enduring coaching philosophy grounded in curiosity, critical thinking, and adaptation. His unique take on "motor learning," failure, and feedback provides transformative lessons for coaches in all sports.
Segment Breakdown & Timestamps
00:00 – 01:20 | Introduction to John Kessel
Rob introduces John, noting his incredible career and alignment with the podcast’s "three C's" approach to coaching.
01:20 – 04:26 | Kessel's Coaching Journey
John outlines his unconventional path from collegiate coaching to global sport development and advocacy for coach education.
04:26 – 08:46 | Learning Over Athletics
A powerful shift in mindset: why coaching is about cultivating learning, not just athleticism.
08:46 – 15:00 | Motor Learning Explained
From bike riding to backwards bicycles—John explains how we acquire physical skills through failure and repetition.
15:00 – 23:00 | Training in Reality
The importance of realistic practice environments and the dangers of over-drilling and under-playing.
23:00 – 32:28 | Effective Coaching Techniques
John breaks down methods to provide better feedback, foster engagement, and create "12 little assistant coaches."
32:28 – 42:00 | Guided Discovery and Storytelling
How storytelling enhances retention and why asking the right questions fosters independent thinking.
42:00 – 47:31 | Regression to the Mean & Coaching Biases
What Daniel Kahneman taught him about interpreting player performance and avoiding misleading feedback loops.
47:31 – 51:32 | Rapid Fire & Closing
John shares favorite books, impactful failures, and his definition of success—plus a teaser for “belligerent optimism.”
Key Moments & Quotes
- “This is a learning competition, not an athletic competition.”
- John’s analogy of motor learning using driving and bike riding is a standout.
- The story about the Israeli fighter pilot instructor and Daniel Kahneman is a must-listen moment (42:00).
- “Catch them doing it right” – a core tenet of Kessel’s feedback philosophy.
- Guided discovery and the practice of saying “and” instead of “but” to reinforce positive communication.
Resources & References
Guest Bio: John Kessel
John Kessel served as the Director of Sport Development for USA Volleyball and is one of the most respected figures in coach education. With a legacy rooted in motor learning and international impact, John continues to teach coaches around the world how to build athletes through evidence-based practices. He also runs Bison Peak Lodge, a retreat center supporting veterans and first responders.
📧 Contact: john_kessel@msn.com
Key Takeaways
- Real learning comes from doing, failing, and reflecting—not from repetitive drills.
- Coaches should shift from correction to curiosity, using guided discovery.
- Feedback should be specific, forward-focused, and affirming of effort and intent.
- Consistency and critical thinking are cornerstones of great coaching.
Read Our Books
Take your coaching to the next level with our published resources, built to strengthen leadership, culture, and effectiveness in athletic programs:
About the Impactful Coaching Project
This episode is brought to you by the Impactful Coaching Project, the leading platform for developing coaches who lead with purpose, integrity, and a holistic approach.
The project exists to help coaches:
- Coach the whole person
- Build transformational team cultures
- Learn and apply the latest in research-based coaching strategies
- Access professional development, resources, and a growing coaching community
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