Sport Coaching Concepts A Framework for Coaching Practice

Successful sports coaching involves so much more than a simplistic application of sport psychology to a program of physical training and skill development. The relationship between coach and athlete is complex, and successful coaches at all levels of sport should be able to develop a deeper understanding of the role of the coach, the coaching process, and alternative approaches to coaching practice.

Sports Coaching Concepts was the first textbook to offer a comprehensive introduction to the theoretical issues that underpin sports coaching practice and to outline a complete conceptual framework with which to understand coaching behaviour, helping to establish sports coaching as a substantial academic discipline in the process. Now in a fully revised and updated new edition, the book explains why a conceptual approach to sports coaching is more important than ever before, using practice-orientated analysis to help students develop a full understanding of coaching theory and technique.

This edition draws on a decade’s worth of research and academic and professional literature, reflecting the profound changes in coach development and coach education during that period. Covering all the key topics, themes and issues contained within the sports coaching curriculum, this edition also includes six completely new chapters, on the evolution of coaching theory, coaches’ expertise, decision-making, social perspectives on the coach-athlete relationship, social inclusion, and principles of coach development.

Each chapter contains a full range of pedagogical features to aid learning and understanding, including highlighted key concepts, discussion questions, practical projects, annotated guides to further reading, new case study material, and comment from practising coaches. A new companion website provides additional teaching and learning resources, including self-test questions and useful weblinks for students, and Powerpoint slides and a test bank for lecturers. Sports Coaching Concepts is still essential reading for all students of sports coaching and any serious coach looking to develop and extend their own coaching practice.