Skills & Strategies for Coaching Soccer

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.

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 !

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.

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