ABSTRACT

The application of the theoretical underpinnings of coaching to practice is a central concern in sport. How should academic research seek to inform applied practice, and how should practising coaches integrate research into their professional activities? Sports Coaching: A Theoretical and Practical Guide is the first book to truly integrate academic research on sports coaching with an assessment of and recommendations for applied practice.

With every chapter written by a coaching researcher and a practising coach, the book clearly and concisely introduces the academic evidence base and discusses how and why theory should be integrated into practice. Made up of sections on coaching practice, coach education and development, the use of sport science support and coaching special populations, the book constitutes a comprehensive guide to the theory and practice of sports coaching.

Chapters are clearly and consistently structured, allowing students and coaches opportunity to gain a firm understanding of the core theoretical principles of sports coaching and the ways in which they can guide practice. The book is a vital resource for any sports coaching student, researcher or practitioner to develop their evidence-informed practice.

section Section I|2 pages

Introduction

chapter |4 pages

Introduction

section Section II|2 pages

A guide to coaching practice

chapter 1|9 pages

A guide to understanding coaching philosophy

9Moving to a philosophy of coaching

chapter 3|10 pages

Building a house of C.A.R.D.S.

The practice structures of coaches in a professional rugby union academy

chapter 4|13 pages

Athlete-centred coaching

An applied example from junior international field hockey

section Section III|2 pages

A guide to coach education and learning

chapter 5|14 pages

Mentoring in coach education

55The importance of role models, context and gender

chapter 6|11 pages

Reflection and reflective practice

A theoretical and practical guide

chapter 7|11 pages

The think-aloud programme

Developing reflection in coaches – from practice to theory

section Section IV|2 pages

A guide to sport science support

chapter 8|16 pages

The analysis process

93Applying the theory

chapter 9|13 pages

Physical development of the youth athlete

Theoretical considerations and practical implications of growth and maturation

section Section V|2 pages

A guide to coaching different populations

chapter 11|11 pages

Learning to problematise ‘the way things are’ when coaching female athletes

135‘Gender effective coaching’ in sport

chapter 12|11 pages

Coaching in disability sport

From practice to theory

chapter 13|11 pages

Coaching children

A guide to maximising their enjoyment