Sports coaching is a social activity. At its heart lies a complex interaction between coach and athlete played out within the context of sport, itself a socio-culturally defined set of practices. In this ground-breaking book, leading international coaching scholars and coaches argue that an understanding of sociology and social theory can help us better grasp the interactive nature of coaching and consequently assist in demystifying the mythical 'art' of the activity. The Sociology of Sports Coaching establishes an alternative conceptual framework from which to explore sports coaching. It firstly introduces the work of key social theorists, such as Foucault, Goffman and Bourdieu among others, before highlighting the principal themes that link the study of sociology and sports coaching, such as power, interaction, and knowledge and learning. The book also outlines and develops the connections between theory and practice by placing the work of each selected social theorist alongside contemporary views on that work from a current practicing coach. This is the first book to present a critical sociological perspective of sports coaching and, as such, it represents an important step forward in the professionalization of the discipline. It is essential reading for any serious student of sports coaching or the sociology of sport, and for any reflective practitioner looking to become a better coach.

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.

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.

Sports coaching is a social activity. At its heart lies a complex interaction between coach and athlete played out within the context of sport, itself a socio-culturally defined set of practices. In this ground-breaking book, leading international coaching scholars and coaches argue that an understanding of sociology and social theory can help us better grasp the interactive nature of coaching and consequently assist in demystifying the mythical 'art' of the activity. The Sociology of Sports Coaching establishes an alternative conceptual framework from which to explore sports coaching. It firstly introduces the work of key social theorists, such as Foucault, Goffman and Bourdieu among others, before highlighting the principal themes that link the study of sociology and sports coaching, such as power, interaction, and knowledge and learning. The book also outlines and develops the connections between theory and practice by placing the work of each selected social theorist alongside contemporary views on that work from a current practicing coach. This is the first book to present a critical sociological perspective of sports coaching and, as such, it represents an important step forward in the professionalization of the discipline. It is essential reading for any serious student of sports coaching or the sociology of sport, and for any reflective practitioner looking to become a better coach.

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.