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

If you would read one book in this year, this is the book you should read – The Barefoot Coach by Paddy Upton. Paddy, other than being an acclaimed speaker, a university professor with degrees from four different universities, two of which are masters, along with Gary Kirsten, became the Indian cricket team coach in 2008 and eventually spearheaded the success of winning World Cup in 2011 and becoming number one Test team in the world. But this book is not about Paddy and cricket coaching only.It’s a multidimensional book. In one level this is about Indian team’s saga of how they went on to win the World Cup and became the number one Test team in the world. Paddy has shown that one cannot become best in any endeavor, as a team or in individual level, unless one masters the art of bringing out one’s true self overcoming the negatives or faults of one’s character. He has also broken the myth that to excel in one’s chosen field, one need to focus on his or her strength more than the effort one gives to overcome one’s shortfalls. This is a new concept.In another level the book has a lot of interesting nuggets of information about the celebrity players of Indian cricket team which all cricket fans will love to read. These gems, I am sure, will never be available in biographies, autobiographies or in memoires of players or game administrators.Yet in another level the book is highly introspective and motivational without being obtrusive. Paddy’s long association, in Cape Town’s underbelly, with city’s destitute and criminal low lives, have given him a wisdom which is unparalleled and highly unacademic.This is a must read book if one wants to know what pushes a man to go beyond his own ability.

I have with me around 8 to 10 Autobiographies of different athletes/ sport persons. I bought those book for fun as well as learning. But this is first autobiography form a coach's perspective. And according to me it is the best of all the autobiographies that i have. And it serves the purpose of entertainment as well as learning.The book has many insights from indian dressing room (cricket) which are coupled with learning lesson for everyone who is willing...The language is simple,lucide yet sometimes poetic. Author shares his honest experiences and learnings he derived from it.Amazing reading stuff.

I got interested in the book because of two reasons one, no doubt, was cricket n my love for it and the other one was rather an unusual one - my professional needs as a facilitator. Yes, you read it right its a must read for all mentors, trainers, teachers, and others of the ilk. Its less a book about game and is more about mind-games. Its written in a very lucid language with loads of amazing anecdotes and refreshing references. The author comes out more of an academician and surprisingly an interesting one to boot. He is honest and hits highs quite often and stays there for majority of time, me think being a world-class surfer is helping him to ace it. Its a journey that every cricket lover (who reads, I know this reduces the size of fraternity) should lay his hands on this book and give it a go. Its refreshing and do not fall into the typical subcontinental trap of appeasing the high and mighty of cricket - on field or off field.Its a coaching manual for todays times. And since it covers the golden period of this cricket crazy nation - it will surely lead to many a stomach churn and goosebump moments to its fans.Kudos to BCCI and esp Gavaskar as they were instrumental in finding a Gary and Paddy for us. We ll always be grateful. And although both of them already earned their stripes with World Cup n #1 ICC Test Team, this book adds one more feather to their collective cap.Dont miss it.

One of the finest books i have ever read in my life. You will never be the same after reading this, such is the profound impact. When the last page of the book is finished, you will have the desire to be a better human being

This is a great book. He has shared some raw insights and laid a road map on what is it to be successful, both as an individual and in the chosen Sport..a perfect balance between the outer life and the inner life.. A guide to all wannabe Leaders on how to lead with a moral correctness and create winning teams...straight from someone who has had the education and training , with a track record to match, and brilliantly narrated with candour and honesty....

Simply superb. A must read for everyone. Paddy Upton was the Mental Conditioning & Strategic Leadership Coach for the Indian Cricket Team from 2008 to 2011. Yes, his contribution along with Head Coach Garry Kirsten in bringing back the ICC World Cup back to India is just incredible.The insights offered by Paddy about Leadership, Ego Management, Simplicity, Focusing on Strengths rather than weaknesses, A+B=C, and many more are for sure Life Enhancing, only if implemented.A great barefoot coach.

A fresh and rare perspective of how teams mentally prepare for their games.

A good read, quite intriguing theories to ponder upon at times. Challenging the tradition is the mantra to opening up newer possibilities