Includes bibliographical references (p. 223-248) and index.

Reflective practice in sports coaching : thoughts on process, pedagogy and research / David Gilbourne, Phillip Marshall and Zoe Knowles -- Pedagogy for coaches / Kevin Morgan and John Sproule -- Skill acquisition for coaches / Gavin Lawrence, Kieran Kingston and Victoria Gottwald -- Psychology for coaches / Kieran Kingston, Owen Thomas and Richard Neil -- Sociology for coaches / Nic Matthews, Scott Fleming and Robyn L. Jones -- History for coaches / Malcolm Maclean and Ian Pritchard -- Philosophy for coaches / Alun Hardman and Carwyn Jones -- Ethics for coaches / Alun Hardman and Carwyn Jones -- Sports development for coaches / Nicola Boulton and Bev Smith -- Biomechanics for coaches / Gareth Irwin, Ian Bezodis and David Kerwin -- Match analysis for coaches / Peter O'Donoghue -- Sports medicine for coaches / Andrew Miles and Richard Tong -- Physiology for coaches / Michael G. Hughes, John L. Oliver and Rhodri Lloyd -- Tying it all together / Robyn L. Jones and Kieran Kingston.

This text explains sport; science medicine, pedagogy, development, psychology, physiology and much more from a dedicated coaching perspective. Case studies and real life coaching examples are used to demonstrate theory in practice. An Introduction to Sports Coaching provides students with an accessible and engaging guide to the scientific, social scientific, medical and pedagogical theory that underlies the practice of quality sports coaching. Now in a fully updated and revised second edition, it introduces students to the complex, messy, multi-faceted nature of coaching, and explores the full range of 'knowledges' which inform all successful coaching practice. Written by a team of leading international sports coaching academics and practitioners, as well as sport scientists and social scientists, the book provides a concise guide to every key theme in sports coaching, including: Reflective practice Pedagogy Skill acquisition Psychology Biomechanics Physiology Sport medicine and injury Performance analysis Sociology History Philosophy Sport development Each chapter makes a clear link between theory and practice, and includes discussion of real-life coaching scenarios and insights from practising international and club coaches. The book includes clear definitions of important themes and concepts, as well as seminar and review questions in each chapter designed to confirm understanding and encourage further inquiry. No other introductory textbook explains the importance of an holistic approach to sports coaching practice. This is an essential companion to any sports coaching course.