Understanding Strength and Conditioning as Sport Coaching: Bridging the Biophysical, Pedagogical and Sociocultural Foundations of Practice

Contemporary strength and conditioning coaching is, for the most part, informed by the exercise sciences, with little engagement being made with the socio-cultural and pedagogical perspectives which have emerged in sports coaching research over the last two decades. In Understanding Strength and Conditioning as Sport Coaching: Bridging the Biophysical, Pedagogical and Sociocultural Foundations of Practice, the authors--whose expertise span strength and conditioning, sports coaching and pedagogy--help students and coaches to integrate perspectives from these other disciplines to enhance their strength and conditioning coaching practice.

The book bridges the gap between the exercise science literature, pedagogical theory and strength and conditioning practice, and encourages readers to add moral, ethical and political considerations to the technical aspects of their coaching practice. It discusses and applies concepts to a full range of strength and conditioning settings, including elite performance, young athletes, aging athletes and returning to play following injury.

Featuring an eResource, and structured around rich, narrative pedagogical cases reflecting the issues faced by practicing strength and conditioning coaches, the book offers a thoroughly engaging introduction to pedagogical and socio-cultural concepts and literature in an strength and conditioning context. This is a vital textbook for students of strength and conditioning, and an important resource for practicing strength and conditioning coaches and sport science staff.

Tania Cassidy is an Associate Professor in Sport Pedagogy in the School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Otago, New Zealand.

Phil Handcock is a Lecturer in the Prescription of Physical Activity and Exercise, Athletic Training and Conditioning in the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Brian Gearity is Assistant Professor and Director of Online Graduate Programs in Sport, Strength and Conditioning, and Psychology of Coaching at the Graduate School of Professional Psychology at the University of Denver, USA.

Lisette Burrows is Professor of Community Health in Te Huataki Waiora School of Health at the University of Waikato, New Zealand.