ABSTRACT
This text was conceived in response to a perceived need for greater understanding amongst coaches about the knowledge, skills and competencies required to coach distinctive populations in a sport or physical activity context. The focus is on ‘the person’ within the coaching process and the practical adaptations required to coach specific individuals or groups. A diverse range of case studies and interventions are presented across the chapters. The concluding chapter draws together recurring themes that are woven throughout the book. The conclusion identifies four main points that emerge from the content of the book. Coaches need to understand the specific needs of the population that they are working with and tailor their approach accordingly. The coaching profession as a whole should recognise that there is a need to embrace evidence-based practice when coaching diverse populations. The ‘theory-practice’ gap can only be closed if academic literature on coaching becomes more accessible to practitioners and coaches engage with the research. Finally, it recommends that coach education programmes are informed and influenced by current research on sport pedagogy that addresses the relationship between coaches and the ‘recipients’ of coaching which goes beyond narrow technocratic considerations.
