ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces spirituality in sport and discusses the ways in which it could be integrated into research and practice in sport coaching. After outlining the key concepts, it presents literature on spirituality in sport which can be roughly categorised into three interrelated themes: peak experiences, flow, and transcendence in sport; mental skills and competition routines; and sport and life meaning. An awareness of spirituality is especially needed in increasingly transnational field of elite/professional sport, where athletes are likely to hold varying beliefs and values to that of their coach. Spirituality as a source of life meaning can also shape athletes’ values and ambitions in sport. It has been found that athletes for whom spirituality is important may wish to express other-oriented values with their teammates and others in sport. A growing number of studies have highlighted that spiritual experiences and meanings can be a vitally important aspect of sport practices for many athletes.
