Sports Coaching: The Basics

Emphasising that sports coaching is a social activity, this book introduces the ‘what’, ‘when’, ‘how’ and ‘why’ of coaching practice. Organised around the disciplines that have influenced coaching – including psychology, sociology and education - it explores issues faced by grassroots/youth sports coaches and elite/professional coaches today. Sports Coaching: The Basics is an engaging and provocative introduction to sports coaching which combines coaches’ views and experiences of their work with discussions and topical issues that feature in this fast-growing field. In doing so, coaches are placed at the centre of the discussions relating to philosophical, historical, sociological, psychological and pedagogical interpretations of contemporary practice. Consequently, the book prompts questions such as: What is coaching? What does it mean to be a coach? How do coaches influence athletes/players? How do coaches learn? What is it like to be a coach? In considering these questions, readers are encouraged to reflect upon their experiences of coaching and to start conversations with others about coaches’ work. Therefore, the book is of use for coaches, those interested in studying sports coaching, and coach educators or facilitators of coach learning initiatives.