 
Skills and Strategies for Coaching Soccer
Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 16
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 On: 2008-06-15
Have to say going against most opinions here because I found little use in the book and quite glad I got it as a present and did not pay for it myself. I can see where some people might get some valuable information out of it but my biggest issue was that it couldnt decide if it was directed at the coach new to the game or an intermediate coach moving into coaching 11v11 games (hence little use for anyone coaching over 13s)
As the back of the book states the author has coached from 5 year olds to pros and it is obvious that he couldnt decide who to target the book at. Soccer books that try to cover all ages or aspects of the game are not good books
 On: 2008-04-13
This book on soccer coaching is first rate! Easy to understand but NOT simplistic or dumbed down. Filled with great ideas and insights into the game for coaches AND players. I doubt there is a level of player or coach who will get this book and not find themselves flipping thru the pages picking out items and saying "I didnt know that". Well worth the price.
On: 2008-01-23
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!
On: 2007-08-11
This book includes excellent drills for skills ranging from fundamental to experienced. It also gets into a lot of game strategy, and it addresses the special situations such as throw-ins and corner kicks from offense and defense. I really like how he pulls in excellent advice and his philophy for coaching. If I had to select just one book for my coaching library, it would be this one!
On: 2007-04-10
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. Its 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 beginners 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 wont apply if you dont 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.
 On: 2007-01-16
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 doesnt encourage the "have fun & think for yourself" attitude that is enouraged in current coaching classes or by the American Youth Soccer Association.
by: Anonymous On: 2000-05-30
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). Im back to buy additional copies for my assistant coaches. My highest, 5-star recommendation.
On: 2000-05-17
This is an excellent book that covers all the bases (technique, tactics, philosophy etc) and will make an excellent edition to any coaches library. A very good choice for your first book or if you are only going to read one, this is it.
If your ready for more detailed information on the same topics then Coaching Soccer the Progressive Way, Coaching Soccer Successfully, and The Art of Soccer: A Better Way to Play should up right up your alley.
On: 2000-05-17
Excellent book that covers all the bases (technique, tactics, philosphy etc). If your ready for more detailed information on the same topics then Coaching Soccer the Progressive Way and Coaching Soccer Sucessfully should be right for you.
On: 2000-05-16
This is an excellent book that covers all the bases (technique, tactics, philosophy etc) and will make an excellent edition to any coaches library. A very good choice for your first book or if you are only going to read one, this is it.
If your ready for more detailed information on the same topics then Coaching Soccer the Progressive Way, Coaching Soccer Successfully, and The Art of Soccer: A Better Way to Play should up right up your alley.
by: Anonymous On: 1999-12-03
THis is a wonderful and well rounded book combining information that reaches way beyond the books oriented to first time coaches. I am recommending this to all coaches who want to get serious with their players.
by: Anonymous On: 1998-12-08
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 Ive 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 !
by: Anonymous On: 1998-10-29
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.
On: 1998-05-18
Hargreaves gives us coaches insight we can all use. As a post college player I began coaching U-9 two years ago. The book didnt tell me much that I didnt 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 players mindsets. Every coach should have it in his/her library.
by: Anonymous On: 1997-11-06
I agree with Rick Siler. In re-reading my review of this book, I realized that it sounded rather lukewarm. Actually, this is one of the best overall books on youth soccer coaching that I have found so far. There are a lot of useful tips on technique, and a very good section on defense.
On: 1997-10-04
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
by: Anonymous On: 1997-09-04
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
by: Anonymous On: 1997-04-19
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.
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