Coaching Soccer

Rating:
Summary: Fair but appealing as a Toolkit
Review: I found this book good for the specific lessons it contained, not for the layout or cohesiveness. Basically it is a set of articles/chapters published by individuals who coach soccer, so the point of view is useful if not only limited to the USA's point of view (we have never had a extremely successful program w/ the exception of the WWC). Some of the names are more credible than others. The specific sections can give great information about the less appreciated aspects such as nutrition, soccer-specific exercises, goalkeeping, one-on-one challenges, etc.

Rating:
Summary: Fair but appealing as a Toolkit
Review: I found this book good for the specific lessons it contained, not for the layout or cohesiveness. Basically it is a set of articles/chapters published by individuals who coach soccer, so the point of view is useful if not only limited to the USA's point of view (we have never had a extremely successful program w/ the exception of the WWC). Some of the names are more credible than others. The specific sections can give great information about the less appreciated aspects such as nutrition, soccer-specific exercises, goalkeeping, one-on-one challenges, etc.

Rating:
Summary: Very informative text.
Review: The text is very helpful and informative. The illustrations are somewhat confusing. A suggestion would be to include color in the illustrations to differentiate between offense, defense, etc.... In all, possibly the best book I've read on the subject.

Rating:
Summary: Worth reading and rereading
Review: This book is a series of articles on widely varying topics related to soccer, authored by many different coaches and prominent personalities in the sport. The book covers virtually everything from elementary concepts (shooting, passing, etc.) to more advanced topics (zonal defending, wing play, interval training) and everything inbetween (restarts, goalkeeping, nutrition, even sportsmanship). The book provides an excellent overview of many topics, and includes activities with diagrams for most concepts. I am involved in coaching from u9 to the collegiate level, and have found this book a valuable resource. My only complaint is its organization; the book contains a short biographical statement for each contributor (all listed in one location), but there is no index, which makes it somewhat difficult to find information on a specific topic, such as 1 v. 1 defending.

Rating:
Summary: A good compilation of insights
Review: This book is a series of articles on widely varying topics related to soccer, authored by many different coaches and prominent personalities in the sport. The book covers virtually everything from elementary concepts (shooting, passing, etc.) to more advanced topics (zonal defending, wing play, interval training) and everything inbetween (restarts, goalkeeping, nutrition, even sportsmanship). The book provides an excellent overview of many topics, and includes activities with diagrams for most concepts. I am involved in coaching from u9 to the collegiate level, and have found this book a valuable resource. My only complaint is its organization; the book contains a short biographical statement for each contributor (all listed in one location), but there is no index, which makes it somewhat difficult to find information on a specific topic, such as 1 v. 1 defending.

Rating:
Summary: The Soccer Coaches Bible
Review: This book is without a doubt a must have for serious soccer coaches. It has more than just drills and diagrams. The book contains many different successfull coaches writings. I have been searching for a "complete coaching book" and this is it!

Rating:
Summary: This is a great book.
Review: This is a great book. Article format with just about every conceivable topic covered in some detail. Drills, tactics, philosophy, psychology, team management. Everything. Well worth the price and should be on every intermediate to advanced coach's shelf. My copy is dog-earred!

Rating:
Summary: Worth reading and rereading
Review: This is the only comprehensive book that I keep coming back to again and again. A cornerstone for your library.