A radio frequency (RF) transmit coil array assembly for use in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. The RF transmit coil comprises a plurality of coils arranged around an object and coupled to a pulse generator module. The pulse generator module is configured to drive the coils to induce a selective excitation pulse during a transmission mode of the MRI system. The selective excitation pulse is designed to excite an inner volume of the object and to facilitate scan acceleration and an imaging field of view is contained within the inner volume.