Tying it all Together

In this book, we have introduced readers to the sport sciences that underpin coaching. No doubt it is somewhat at odds with previous introductory type books, which have tended to portray coaching as a rather simplified sequential activity. In this respect, for some it could be troublesome with previously familiar concepts rendered strangely complex (Perkins, 1999). We make no apology for this, as coaching is often problematic and hard to manage. To portray it otherwise would do the subject and those who study it an injustice. The book is also not intended to be an ending, but a beginning; a first passport into the developing field of coaching where numerous knowledges are constantly drawn upon by practitioners in attempts to improve the experience and performances of athletes. We’ve tried to make most of these knowledges explicit, in particular looking at how they may affect coaching.