Foundations of Sports Coaching

The fully revised third edition of the popular Foundations of Sports Coaching textbook aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the practical and theoretical principles that underpin the sports coaching process, from both a participation and performance perspective. The focus of this contemporary edition is to bridge the gap between practical sports coaching delivery and the conceptual theories that underpin a sports coach’s practice. It provides a wealth of real-world examples and up-to-date case studies from a wide range of sports to support the developing practitioner and help sports coaches understand how to apply key concepts and theories to their practice.

In addition, there are countless practical coaching tips, techniques and strategies to further support sports coaches in their practice and development. The book will provide the reader with the skills, knowledge and background they will need to prepare athletes and sports people technically, tactically and strategically, covering the key components of a sports coaching-related undergraduate course, including:

■ the continuing professionalisation of sports coaching

■ the International Sports Coaching Framework (I.C.C.E.)

■ the fundamental skills of a sports coach

■ how to coach populous groups

■ coaching philosophy

■ coaching pedagogy

■ creating a positive learning environment

■ talent ID and sevelopment

■ the reflective coach

■ performance analysis to support coach feedback.

This third edition updates the style of previous versions with all-new chapters focusing upon international professional practice frameworks, coaching philosophy, coaching pedagogy, talent identification and development, and reflective practice. All of these are critical for the contemporary practitioner to understand in order to ensure they provide the best possible coaching environment for their athletes to develop and succeed.

No other introductory textbook explains the importance of a holistic approach to sports coaching practice. This is an essential companion to any sports coaching course.

Ashley J.G. Gill is Course Director of Postgraduate Study in Sport & Exercise at Staffordshire University, U.K. He is both an academic and coach educator, with key responsibilities revolving around the management of curricula, as well as teaching and research for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes related to sports coaching. Ashley has worked as a coaching practitioner in a range of contexts, from community to performance-level sport, over the last 20 years.