This handbook investigates the multifaceted nature of sports coaching by synthesizing current research, pedagogical theories, and practical applications to define the state of the discipline. The editors, Jim Denison, Paul Potrac, and Wade Gilbert, are prominent scholars in the field of sports pedagogy and coaching science. They assemble a diverse collection of international contributors to examine how coaching functions as a social, political, and educational activity rather than merely a technical pursuit of performance outcomes.

Experts identify this volume as a foundational reference text for students and practitioners in sports science and physical education. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a rigorous resource for those seeking to understand the complexities of modern coaching environments.