Coaching Science

Coaching is becoming increasingly scientific. The modern coach is more than just someone with a stop watch, shouting instructions and recording times. Modern coaches need to be applied scientists who keep abreast of research and are able to apply a multidisciplinary understanding of biomechanics, physiology and psychology, as well as perennial issues such as athlete motivation, design of training programmes, talent identification, monitoring and ethics.

Written by an author who combines academic expertise with high-level practical experience, the book links theory with case studies, practical and reflective exercises and suggestions for further study

About The Author:

Dan Gordon was head writer of the hit TV series Highway to Heaven; his screenwriting credits include The Hurricane, Murder in the First, Wyatt Earp, and The Celestine Prophecy. He is the author of the stage adaptations of Terms of Endearment and Rain Man; cofounder of the Zaki Gordon Institute for Independent Filmmaking in Sedona, Arizona; and has been a guest lecturer at Columbia University School of the Arts, USC School of Cinematic Arts, UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television, and Tel Aviv University.

Table Of Contents:

Foreword viii

Acknowledgements ix

Part 1 Understanding the coach 1

1 The coaching process 3

2 Leadership and the coach/athlete relationship 14

3 Skill acquisition and learning 26

Part 2 Psychology of sports performance 35

4 Goals and goal-setting 37

5 Motivation 47

6 Anxiety stress and performance 56

Part 3 Training the athlete 73

7 Variables and components of training 75

8 Theories and models of training 89

9 Training planning and structuring 111

10 Endurance training 139

11 Strength and power training 162

12 Flexibility training 177

13 Speed, agility and quickness 185

Part 4 Athlete monitoring and evaluation 201

14 Talent identification 203

15 Long-term athlete development 220

References 237

Index 249

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Coaching Science