Sports Coaching Concepts

Coaching is a central feature of sport at all levels. This groundbreaking new text is the first to offer a comprehensive introduction to the conceptual issues that underpin sports coaching practice, and to provide a complete conceptual framework for understanding sports coaching. The analysis presented within the book is practice-orientated, exploring the language of the coaching process in order to define the role of the coach, and to better understand the relationship between the coach and the sports performer. Sports Coaching Concepts introduces the key issues behind every stage of the coaching process, presenting important new material on topics such as: * the historical and international context of the development of sports coaching * the role of the coach * participation and performance coaching modes * modelling the coaching process * coaching 'style' and 'philosophy' * decision-making and regulating the process * social factors influencing practice * the future of coach education and professionalisation. The book draws together the existing sports coaching literature for the first time, setting it against important new conceptual developments, and promises to have a profound influence on the nature of our coach education programmes. This book therefore represents essential reading for any student of sports coaching and any serious coach wishing to develop and extend their own coaching practice.

Coaching is a vital factor for success in sport at all levels. Sport Coaching Concepts offers a comprehensive introduction to the theoretical issues that underpin sport coaching practice. Now in a fully revised and updated new edition, it explains why a conceptual approach to sport coaching is more important than ever before, using practice-orientated analysis to help students develop a full understanding of coaching theory and technique. Drawing on more than a decade’s worth of research, the book reflects upon the profound changes that have transformed coach education and development. It covers all the key topics of the sport coaching curriculum and includes six new chapters on the evolution of coaching theory, coaching 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, including discussion questions, practical projects, guides to further reading, case studies and insights from practising coaches. Sport Coaching Concepts is essential reading for all students of sport coaching and any serious coaches looking to develop their own coaching practice.

Sports Coaching: Professionalisation and Practice is a comprehensive evidence-based textbook of sports coaching theory and practice. The book is edited by leading academics in sports coaching studies and authored by a world-renowned team of experts in sports coaching research. It deals with all aspects of coaching behaviour and practice, including coaches’ decision making, coaching pedagogy, and the development of expertise. Each of the chapters provides an up-to-date position statement on coaching themes, and makes explicit reference to the professionalisation of coaching. Written in an accessible style, and identifying critical ideas and issues, the book will complement and challenge both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes, and will be an invaluable source of ideas for researchers and academics. Multicontributed chapters follow uniform structure to increase clarity and accessiblity of text 'Snapshots' of critical ideas and issues presented as models or diagrams to facilitate students' understanding Case examples and scenarios illustrate key concepts in each chapter Latest research and current literature summarised for each thematic topic.

Successful sports coaching is as dependent on utilising good teaching and social practices as it is about expertise in sport skills and tactics. Understanding Sports Coaching offers an innovative introduction to the theory and practice of sports coaching, highlighting the social, cultural and pedagogical concepts underpinning good coaching practice. Now in a fully revised and updated second edition, the book explores the complex interplay between coach, athlete, coaching programme and social context, and encourages coaches to develop an open and reflective approach to their own coaching practice. It addresses key issues such as: power and the coach-athlete relationship viewing the athlete as a learner instructional methods and reflection how our view of ability informs assessment coaching philosophy and ethics. Understanding Sports Coaching also includes a full range of practical exercises and case studies designed to encourage coaches to reflect critically upon their own coaching strategies, their interpersonal skills and upon important issues in contemporary sports coaching. This book is essential reading for all students of sports coaching and for any professional coach looking to develop their coaching expertise.

The fully revised third edition of the popular Foundations of Sports Coaching textbook aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the practical and theoretical principles that underpin the sports coaching process, from both a participation and performance perspective. The focus of this contemporary edition is to bridge the gap between practical sports coaching delivery and the conceptual theories that underpin a sports coach’s practice. It provides a wealth of real-world examples and up-to-date case studies from a wide range of sports to support the developing practitioner and help sports coaches understand how to apply key concepts and theories to their practice. In addition, there are countless practical coaching tips, techniques and strategies to further support sports coaches in their practice and development. The book will provide the reader with the skills, knowledge and background they will need to prepare athletes and sports people technically, tactically and strategically, covering the key components of a sports coaching-related undergraduate course, including: ■ the continuing professionalisation of sports coaching ■ the International Sports Coaching Framework (I.C.C.E.) ■ the fundamental skills of a sports coach ■ how to coach populous groups ■ coaching philosophy ■ coaching pedagogy ■ creating a positive learning environment ■ talent ID and sevelopment ■ the reflective coach ■ performance analysis to support coach feedback. This third edition updates the style of previous versions with all-new chapters focusing upon international professional practice frameworks, coaching philosophy, coaching pedagogy, talent identification and development, and reflective practice. All of these are critical for the contemporary practitioner to understand in order to ensure they provide the best possible coaching environment for their athletes to develop and succeed. No other introductory textbook explains the importance of a holistic approach to sports coaching practice. This is an essential companion to any sports coaching course.

Despite the rapid advance of the academic study of coaching science, there is a dearth of evidence on contemporary progressions within the coaching profession itself, particularly around the wide-ranging challenges that coaches face. Professional Advances in Sports Coaching constitutes an essential collection of the most innovative, up-to-date reviews and research on professional issues in sports coaching and coaching psychology. Seeking to assess and challenge contemporary conceptual and theoretical research around the evolving nature of the coach’s role, issues associated with athlete and coach welfare, and societal demands of the coach, the book covers topics as diverse as: gender and spirituality within sports coaching; working in culturally diverse environments and disability sport; understanding hazing, mental health issues, and disordered eating in athletes; moral behaviour and safeguarding; high performance coaching and talent development; communicating with athletes in the age of social media, and managing cliques. Written by leading experts from around the world, every chapter clarifies and defines key concepts, gives an up-to-date and comprehensive review of literature within the area, and examines the implications for future research and applied practice. This is a critical resource for any upper-level student enrolled in sports coaching science or practice classes, sports coaching academics with an interest in professional practice, and practicing sports coaches.

This book draws together the existing sports coaching literature for the first time, setting it against important new conceptual developments, and promises to have a profound influence on the nature of our coach education programmes.

Every successful sports coach knows that good teaching and social practices are just as important as expertise in sports skills and tactics. Now in a fully revised and updated fourth edition, and introducing a new author team, Understanding Sports Coaching introduces theories and practices while exploring pedagogical, social and cultural concepts underpinning good sports coaching practice. Broken into four sections, Understanding Sports Coaching examines the complex interplay between coach, athlete, coaching programme and social context, and encourages coaches to develop an open and reflective approach to their own coaching practice. It covers key aspects of coaching theories and practice, including important and emerging topics, such as: • leadership • athlete learning • emotion in coaching • culture as meaning making • quality in coaching • talent identification and development • philosophy and sports coaching Understanding Sports Coaching also includes a full range of practical exercises and extended case studies designed to encourage coaches to critically reflect upon their own coaching strategies, their interpersonal skills and important issues in contemporary sports coaching. This is an essential textbook for any degree-level course in sports coaching, and for any professional coach looking to develop their coaching expertise.