This Isn't A Textbook: A Somewhat Intemperate Look at Sport, Teaching, Coaching and Life

This book takes a personal look at aspects of sport and life from the perspective of Kelvin Giles, a teacher, coach and parent.

Kelvin’s working life has seen him work with Olympic athletes over 6 Olympic cycles; championship winning Rugby League teams and as a manager in elite High Performance Institutes. The anecdotes and commentary from the 40+ year adventure he has undertaken is presented here in a series of quick-fi re statements and observations.

Some text is taken directly from communications with organisations, colleagues, athletes and friends. Other comments are from people admired and followed by the author and presented as their quotes. There are educational passages coupled with more irreverent
dialogue centred on some of today’s critical questions in our culture.

Extracts:
Before every session, week, phase ask yourself the following questions:
‘Is everything working?’
‘Is this the best thing to do right now?’
‘Is everything connected?’
‘Is everything in the correct order?’
‘What’s the smartest thing to do right now?’
Remember – “the next 2 minutes I can handle”.

"They had a destination to work towards; a journey that was meticulously planned; they wanted the plan to work; they believed it would work; and they persevered until it worked."

“A high level Athlete Development & Injury Prevention text that goes down
like a cold beer & clams on the half shell by the seashore.” Joe Przytula

“You have no control over what the other guy does. You only have control over what you do.” A J Kitt

“The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me.” Ayn Rand

“Plan ahead: It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark!”