Customer Reviews

Focused for Soccer

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Bill Beswick, one of the world's premier sports psychologists (currently employed by England and Manchester United) and an accomplished coach in his own right, has written a book that is destined to take a place on the priority reading list of all aspiring soccer coaches. In it, he describes the mental, emotional, psychological, and lifestyle aspects of a complete player. The book is full of tables, checklists, and charts for self and team assessment, and the book has been beautifully tailored so as to be applicable for both coaches and players. The main strength of this book, though, is its practical recommendations for every topic it addresses (visualization, self-control, team cohesion, confidence, and mental toughness to name a handful). For example, Beswick gives the example of a striker who is not scoring goals in the chapter on confidence. How does the coach, in cooperation with the player, address the situation to help him regain confidence? Beswick asserts that other components of his job description should be brought to his attention (by asking the player), and that he should be encouraged to self-evaluate his performance based on how well he completed all of the aspects of his job description, not just scoring goals. This may sound like a "feel good" tactic at first glance, but Beswick also provides case studies of specific players at the highest levels who were positively affected by this approach (In this case, Dean Sturridge of Derby County). The book encourages a holistic approach to both coaching and playing, and discusses the benefits and potential pitfalls along the way to creating that holistic balance within a team and its players. Indeed, this is the kind of coaching and type of player that must prevail in the future if soccer is to continue to grow and develop, and Bill Beswick has done the sport of soccer and those who love it a distinct service by writing this book.

As a thirteen year veteran of coaching high school and club soccer, it is hard for me not to view any book with a bit of skepticism. So upon purchasing this book I was intrigued to see what Beswick had to say and not positive he could teach me anything new. I was dead wrong, he is fantastic and much of what he writes about can be transferred to sports other than soccer. I was especially impressed with his ideas and examples of assessment tools for coaches and for player self-reflection. I have already begun to create my own versions of them in order to use them with my side this fall. A highly recommended read for players and coaches alike.

Bill Beswick is arguably the foremost expert in the world on Sport Psychology, attitude and peak performance in soccer today. I have been fortunate to see him speak many times in person at the NSCAA Convention, where his presentations are always must see events, as well as in Dallas at coaching clinics. Every time I hear Bill speak I feel fortunate because I leave the experience a better coach and I am energized to get to work! Focused for Soccer will become a must read guide for you and your players as it presents a road map to success in soccer performance. The book is well laid out and is a great read with fantastic stories from Bill and all of the players and teams he has worked with throughout his career. You will go back to certain section of the book again and again to be reminded of the path to success and to be inspired. The second addition is completely updated and has some great sections dealing with the female athletes and their motivational and performance needs. This is the most influential book on soccer performance I have ever read. I recommend it and know you will love it!

As I work particularly in the 'mental' field with my own players I particularly find Bill's references to 'performance anxiety' very helpful in this edition. For example - he refers to anxiety as 'information that won't go away' - very interesting as my own works centres around the same fact that 'anxious' players 'stall' on the ball and don't flow. This then leads on to the next phase when he recites the 'ballet dancer' who practices her steps repetitvely during the week, so that she can almost give a 'thought-less' performance on stage at the weekend - again very much in line with my specific work on 'focus equalling a no 'conscious' thinking situation'.

On the spot for me anyway - a lot of work has gone in to this update and provides valuable information for the insightful coach who thinks carefully and passionately about the mental side of the game - perhaps to achieve world greatness, we should do more as a nation? Steve

Great Book!
Saw Beswick at the SMU coaching clinic and he was absolute spot on in his presentation on the role of the coach and the development of the player in the modern game of soccer.

Business as usual from Bill B. So much of the book is common sense that everyone knows and uses already etc. Sometimes you can get a bit lost in it and it gets a bit boring. The content is good but no new secrets or amazing insight etc etc. Most of what you already know in a nice well written book.

Focused for Soccer is a must read for coaches and players who want to maximize their performance. Bill Beswick teaches the components of the mental part of the game and uses specific examples from high level teams and players to illustrate his points. Bill is entertaining and the insight he provides is invaluable.

Focused For Soccer was my first introduction to Bill Beswick and his work. This book then led me to seeing his presentations at the NSCAA conventions and eventually to our campus at Creighton University to work with our entire Athletics Staff, players and coaches. This book is a must read including great stories that outline his experiences in the game of soccer. Being that Bill is the leader in the area of Sports Psychology, there is no doubt that this book will present the vital areas in which we can get the winning attitude and peak performance from our players (and staff). Between this book and other "works" from Bill, we have enhanced and improved the overall success of our players and program. I go back to the book often and you will too! I recommend getting this book and utilizing the many examples of inspiring stories with some of the most recognizable names and teams in the world of soccer. Enjoy!

Beswick presents very practical information on the psychology of soccer. Most coaches ignore these ideas and, yet, these very issues make or break a team. This book does a pretty good job of explaining the different mental aspects of sports pychology for soccer and is very comprehensive. However, I found the book lacking in simple application of the ideas. He does have a Master Coaching DVD series which probably better presents the application of these ideas. Although, if you have some background in psychology, you can adapt the ideas and develop practical applications on your own. These are simple cognitive behavioral techniques mixed with an Adlerian approach.