Teaching athletes to improve their performance is the essence of sports coaching. In response to new government-led initiatives to invest in and develop coaching, this book is the first introduction to pedagogical theory for coaching. Bringing helpful insights from educational theory to bear on coaching practice, "The Sports Coach as Educator" expands and enriches the role of the coach and allows professionals to approach their work in new and inventive ways. Exploring the nature of coaching, this text covers: educational concepts in coaching; coaching, teaching and leadership; athletes' learning; coaching communities and the social process; reflective practice; mentoring; and developing expert coaches.