Customer Reviews

Skills and Strategies for Coaching Soccer

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Absolutely terrific book -- spanning all aspects of team and individual play. I own a number of books -- usually too basic or far too advanced. Hargreaves' book is exceptional in that it takes soccer coaching to a high quality level in terms of both theory and tactics. Probably not the best "first" book for a beginning coach, but great for Under-10 and over (and perhaps U8 advanced play). I'm back to buy additional copies for my assistant coaches. My highest, 5-star recommendation.

I have coached youth rec. soccer for 4 years and own several books on this subject . Alan Hargreaves Skills and Stategies for Coaching Soccer is by far the best book I have , and use the most .It is very clear and concise and unlike several books I've purchased , most all the info and drills are useable .I would not recommend this book for a first time coach . But for a coach that wants to bring their soccer knowlege to the next level . Great book !

I picked this book up about two years ago after I earned my "D" license for coaches from Washington State Youth Soccer Association. This book follows an excellant process for preparing practices in all areas of soccer. It is the most useful book I have read about soccer for use as a coaching manual. Youth coaches are generally new parents to the game and coaching of soccer. They need to be provided with a good manual on how to coach youth soccer. This book provides all the essentials for new and experienced youth coaches to teach players and teams the basic skills and strategies required for young players to develope into exceptional players. I have recommended this book to many new and experienced soccer coaches. They have responded quite well to its value. In fact one coach recommended it to their soccer association (after he read my tatered copy) and the association reviewed the book and provided a free copy to each coach in the club this year. You cannot ask for a more complete soccer coaching manual. I highly recommend that all youth soccer clubs provide this book to their coaches. Thank you for the book, Rick Siler

Hargreaves gives us coaches insight we can all use. As a post college player I began coaching U-9 two years ago. The book didn't tell me much that I didn't already know, it just told me how to tell my players how to do the things I did know. Lots of fun drills, coaching philosophy and insight into different player's mindsets. Every coach should have it in his/her library.

First, I have to define intermediate. I have coached U6 and U8 for 5 seasons, and have just moved up to coach U11. I bought this book and Progressive Soccer, and this book was MUCH better. It's pretty beat up now because I refer to it constantly. It has drills and games for all the skills, and most of them start out at a low level (U8 or so) and get more advanced. Almost all of them have worked out well for our team.
I would say this is not a beginner's book, too much info and probably too in depth for a brand-new coach. Not a lot of "kiddie games" like you would use for U6 or U8. I would say U10 and up can get a lot out of this book.
My only complaint is I would like a little more in the team strategy parts and "system of play" parts, the book is a little weak on those areas, other than going through some different formations (which won't apply if you don't play 11 on 11).
Again, highly recommended for the coach moving up for the first time into the U10 age group for the first time.

Well written book with many drills for beginner to expert. Not meant for 6 year olds who have limited attention span. I am looking forward to applying the drills when the children are a couple years older.

This book is very good for an experienced coach or a coach of older (14+) players. It is well written, encourages coaches to have a positive attitude towards their players & the game, & includes a wealth of material. For the younger team, it doesn't encourage the "have fun & think for yourself" attitude that is enouraged in current coaching classes or by the American Youth Soccer Association.

In re-reading my review of this book, I realized that it sounded somewhat lukewarm. Actually, this is a very good book for beginner and intermediate youth soccer coaching. There are a lot of useful tips on technique, and a very good section on defense. Weaknesses remain in advanced areas such as how to deal with set plays and offensive movement

If you are coaching soccer for kids, and are eager to learn more about improving your own skills, this is the book to read! As you become an even better coach, your players will also benefit. The book is packed with information. The basics are well explained, and many specific suggestions are made for exercises that are fun, and at the same time provide good learning for the players. Contained in the book is also a first hand introduction to soccer that will teach you what to look for next time you watch a soccer game, and most important, a tool for improving the skills of your players in a human and friendly way. This book will improve your perception. Highly recommended!

This is a decently written book for beginner to intermediate youth soccer coaching. It probably would be found somewhat lacking in details for advanced coaches. The author was a former defensive player in England, and this is reflected in the structured nature of the coaching style that he advocates, as well as in the solid chapter on defensive play. He has a lot of good advice on how to handle players and parents as well. Offensive schemes described in the book are fairly conventional, which is probably where this book could be improved the most.