Finally getting back to blogging about the latest coaching resources of value to coaches. In my defense, there were three whole books for me to read! But seriously, the following are the three I recommend you should check out:
- Coaching Excellence — Frank Pyke, Editor
- Running Science — Owen Anderson
- Biochemical Monitoring of Sport Training – Atko Viru & Mehis Viru
If I was a new coach and seeking a resource to aid me in becoming a well rounded coach, then I would pick up a copy of Coaching Excellence. This coaching book has the typical sections covering the roles and responsibilities of a coach as well as the plans and methods used to achieve sport goals. But what makes this resource different, in a great way, is its inclusion of practical applications of the sport sciences that enhance the fitness and the technical, tactical and psychological skills of athletes. Highlights of this section include:
- How to analyze sport technique
- How to teach sport skills
- How to evaluate athletes
- How to develop mental skills
My second recommendation deals with running, an integral part of many sports–for example, some soccer players in the recent World Cup are running well over 5 miles in each game. Anderson’s work, Running Science, provides the latest research-based knowledge in running physiology, biomechanics, psychology and training and other topics. If you are seeking some new ways to improve the running of your athletes, this book may have some new ideas for you.
My third choice is a bit of a stretch, even for me. But my curiosity about biochemical monitoring of athletes was heightened from articles I read about iron levels and runners–seems Alberto Salazar tests his runners’ iron levels on a regular basis. I wanted to know why. When the Virus’ book Biochemical Monitoring of Sport Training became available, I took the opportunity to stretch myself about this part of coaching. Recommended by the publisher for exercise scientists and elite-level coaches, this book has three parts covering:
- Discussion of why biochemical monitoring of training is necessary and the opportunities it presents
- Methodological limitations of studies in this subject area
- How to apply biochemical monitoring methods in sport
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