What can an FBI hostage negotiator teach you about coaching?

In this episode of Just Kickin’ It, we sit down with Chris Voss—former FBI hostage negotiator, CEO of The Black Swan Group, and author of Never Split the Difference—to explore how negotiation principles apply directly to coaching, recruiting, and player development.

This conversation challenges a fundamental idea: coaching isn’t just instruction—it’s negotiation. Every interaction with an athlete involves influence, communication, and understanding what’s happening inside their mind.

Chris breaks down practical tools coaches can immediately apply:

• How to uncover what athletes are really thinking
• Why “you’re right” is often a failure, not a win
• The power of labeling to unlock player thinking and improve decision-making
• How tone of voice impacts performance and attention in high-pressure moments
• Why “why” questions shut athletes down—and what to ask instead
• How to navigate recruiting conversations and identify bad fits early

You’ll also learn how these techniques help athletes move from thinking to performing—unlocking flow, improving communication, and ultimately elevating performance on the field.

This is more than a conversation about negotiation. It’s about becoming a more effective coach, communicator, and leader.