Background/Purpose The field of coaching science has experienced rapid expansion in recent years, yet it has also been criticized for its lack of conceptual clarity (Cushion, 2007; Gilbert & Trudel, 2004; Lyle, 2002). The purpose of the present study was to identify and describe key publications and influential researchers in coaching science using citation network analysis.
Method The study sample included 141 English-language peer-reviewed coaching science research articles published in 2007 and 2008. A citation network analysis was conducted on the references of the 141 articles (3,819 references) to identify the key publications influencing coaching science. These key publications were then coded for type (e.g., conceptual, empirical) and topic (e.g., efficacy, coach development). The structure of the field was revealed through the creation of a co-authorship network. Finally, a Researcher Influence Factor (RIF) was computed, taking into consideration the number of citations received by a researcher's publications as well as his/her social capital.
Analysis/Results The citation network showed that of the top 10 publications, six were conceptual papers or books while four were empirical publications. Research on coach development was the most prominent topic among the key publications. Analysis of the most influential researchers revealed, amongst other findings, the dominance of the USA, Canada, and the UK in coaching research.
Conclusions Coaching science is highly influenced by a small set of key publications and researchers. The results are useful for researchers, instructors and sport stakeholders interested in integrating essential literature into their coaching-related work.