Case Studies in Sport Coaching and Development: Practice Meets Theory is a new textbook that serves as a resource for coach developers and educators to generate dialogue about how to further integrate evidence into practice by supporting the development of critical thinking and reflection as it relates to the real problems of practice in sport coaching.

Grounded in a case study framework, this textbook incorporates rich descriptions of real events as an approach to exploring the problems of practice in coaching. It includes multiple approaches to problems that are largely contextually specific, and it includes the corresponding literature to allow for a deeper exploration of the connection between theory and practice. The book’s seven sections explore key themes, such as building environments, relationships among people involved in coaching, coaching philosophy, and long-term goals. Each chapter includes questions for further discussion.

Case Studies in Sport Coaching and Development is a key textbook for both undergraduate and postgraduate students of sport coaching, sport coaching development and education as well as practicing sport coaches, coach developers, and organizations.

"The practice-theory gap has for years been highlighted as one of the key issues in coaching research and coach development. Case Studies in Sport Coaching and Development takes on this issue head-on and provides researchers, students and practising coaches a broad range of real-life case studies underpinned by the latest research which will enhance their theoretical and practical knowledge."

Sergio Lara-Bercial, Professor of Sport Coaching at Leeds Beckett University and Vice President, Strategy and Development, International Council for Coaching Excellence

Christine Nash, PhD, is a Professor at the University of Edinburgh, where she currently leads the Applied Coaching Research Group, researching coaching expertise. She was a national coach within the sport of swimming and currently works with several sporting organizations worldwide, e.g., the International Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE), the US Center for Coaching Excellence (USCCE), and the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

Melissa Thompson, PhD, is a Professor in the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition at the University of Southern Mississippi (USA), where she teaches courses in sport psychology and sport coaching. She is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology.