Coaching: A Realistic Perspective

(Paperback, Eleventh Edition, New Edition)

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Description

Coaching: A Realistic Perspective is the ideal textbook for anyone entering the coaching profession of any sport. More than detailing the duties and tasks of a coach, this book explores the often-overlooked issues and responsibilities that go hand-in-hand with coaching: relationships among players, parents, and fans; ethical and moral issues and controversies; off-season housekeeping duties; and concerns particular to head and assistant coaches as well as single and married coaches. Similar to its previous edition, the eleventh edition includes end-of-chapter discussion questions to help inspire debate over common coaching issues.

This edition has been updated to reflect the impact of social media on the coaching profession, including how it can be used in good, positive ways and how it can be detrimental to coaches and athletes if not used properly. It also features updated material on the issue of hazing, a huge concern today in all levels of athletics.

Reviews

Coaching: A Realistic Perspective is a comprehensive resource for those interested in beginning their studies of or a career in the coaching profession. Although the book does not focus on the pedagogical approaches to coaching (the authors do state that this is not their intention), it systematically details a coachs managerial and social responsibilities. The book examines a wide array of topics, such as maintaining various relationships (among players, parents, other coaches, fans, etc.), qualities that a coach should always uphold, the innumerable controversies and ethical issues a coach may face, off-season organization, etc. In addition, this 11th edition contains updated information related to social media practices and issues related to hazing in sports. In each chapter, appropriate exercises and discussion questions enhance the reading experience. The appendixes provide the reader with additional resources that can assist with commencing a successful coaching career. Overall, this book is a helpful tool for beginning coaches and a valuable resource for students taking a course that is focused on management skills in the coaching profession.

Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and general readers.

* Choice Reviews *
Coaching: A Realistic Perspective is a very comprehensive resource for anyone interested in the profession of coaching. There are numerous topics covered in detail that all coaches need to be familiar with as they prepare for the season. This book truly demonstrates that successful coaching is a lifestyle and with the proper preparation it can be an extremely rewarding career. -- Cecile Reynaud, Florida State University
This book is a great resource for coaches to guide their dealings with players, parents, officials, administrators, teachers, and other coaches. Most coaches learn by being an apprentice to 'more experienced' coaches. But what if those 'more experienced' coaches do not have a solid ethical foundation Many coaching textbooks are filled with overly simplistic recommendations and as a result, they are not that helpful. This book embraces the ambiguity of coaching and has many examples and scenarios that are quite realistic. A must-read for a high school coaches or any coach who wants to maintain their integrity in the increasingly demanding and complex world of coaching. -- John McCarthy, director of Boston University's Institute for Athletic Coach Education
Rather than focusing on the physical skills, this textbook addresses the mental and emotional challenges of teaching student athletes and managing a sports program. It explores the roles of a head coach, the qualities a coach should possess, relationships with the administration and other faculty, the recruiting process, off-season planning, and final preparation for the season. * Reference and Research Book News *

Author Bio

Michael D. Sabock was an assistant football coach in charge of special teams at Western Michigan University. In addition to coaching, he also served as the recruiting coordinator.

Ralph J. Sabock passed away in 2010. He taught professional preparation courses, including Methods and Principles of Coaching, at Pennsylvania State University.