Published: February 15, 2025
As a soccer coach, whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, having the right resources at your disposal is crucial. The right coaching books can provide you with valuable insights, practical drills, and strategies that can enhance your coaching effectiveness. By investing time in reading these books, you can not only improve your knowledge of the game but also positively impact the development of your players. This guide will introduce you to some of the best soccer coaching books available, helping you elevate your game and foster a love for soccer in your team.
When selecting the best soccer coaching books, consider the following criteria: relevance to your coaching level, the clarity of explanations, the variety of drills and activities provided, and the overall impact on player development. These factors will help you choose resources that align with your coaching philosophy and the needs of your players.
If you're looking to elevate your coaching game, this book is a must-have. 'Essential Practices for Player Development' by Carl Wild offers a treasure trove of 10 core soccer practice sessions that are not only enjoyable for players but also effective in developing their skills. With 9 adaptations for each practice, you're looking at a whopping 100 different sessions to keep your training fresh and engaging throughout the season. It's perfect for both seasoned coaches and those just starting out, providing practical insights that you can implement right away. Plus, it's a great way to keep your players motivated and excited about training.
Coaches rave about how this book has transformed their training sessions. Many have found it to be a reliable resource that they turn to time and again for inspiration and structure in their coaching.
I picked this up after enjoying the author’s previous book. The author does a great job of explaining the various themes/outcomes, and I love the idea of having a small set of practices that can be used and modified throughout the season to provide players a sense of familiarity when exploring new topics. Great book for any soccer coach to add to their collection.
- Kevin DavisWhether you're preparing for a new season or looking to spice up your current training routine, this book has you covered. It's especially useful for grassroots coaches who want to ensure their sessions are both fun and educational.
Current Price: $22.95
Rating: 4.8 (Total: 25+)
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If you're on the lookout for a resource that can truly empower young soccer players, 'Mind over Matter: A Toughness Toolbox for Soccer' is a fantastic choice. This book dives deep into the world of mental toughness, offering practical strategies that young athletes can use both on and off the field. It's not just about playing harder; it’s about building a resilient mindset that helps players thrive under pressure. With relatable examples and actionable advice, this book is perfect for any young athlete aiming to elevate their game. Plus, it’s a great read for parents and coaches who want to support their players' mental development.
Readers love how this book combines motivation with practical advice. Many have highlighted its relatable stories and effective strategies that resonate with young athletes, making it a go-to resource for building mental strength.
"Mind over Matter: A Toughness Toolbox for Soccer" is a fantastic guide for young athletes who want to build mental toughness on and off the field. This book breaks down the essentials of mental strength in a way that’s easy for kids and teens to understand and put into practice. It’s not just about playing harder—it’s about training your mind to handle challenges, stay focused, and bounce back from setbacks.
- Rodolfo CostaThis book is especially useful during high-pressure games or when young athletes are facing challenges in their training. It’s an excellent tool for coaches looking to instill a growth mindset in their teams, and for parents wanting to support their kids in sports and life.
Current Price: $12.99
Rating: 4.9 (Total: 145+)
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If you're stepping into the world of youth soccer as a coach or a parent, 'The Soccer Success PlayBook' is your go-to guide. This book is packed with practical advice and easy-to-follow drills that make coaching fun and effective, even if you’ve never played soccer before. It covers everything from basic skills to mental toughness, ensuring that both you and your young players can thrive on and off the field. Plus, the engaging illustrations make it a breeze to understand and implement the concepts. It's a friendly companion for anyone looking to nurture a love for the game in their kids.
Readers appreciate how this book breaks down complex concepts into manageable pieces, making it accessible for both new coaches and parents. Many have noted that the motivational stories and practical tips help keep young players excited about soccer.
"The Soccer Success PlayBook is a fantastic resource for new coaches and parents navigating youth soccer. With practical drills, clear explanations, and motivational stories, it simplifies coaching while keeping kids engaged and excited. Its focus on teamwork, confidence-building, and skill development makes it an essential guide for anyone involved in early-age soccer."
- Lukas CastilloThis book is particularly helpful during the early stages of a child's soccer journey, whether you're setting up training sessions or looking for ways to boost their confidence. It’s a valuable resource for creating a positive and engaging environment for young athletes.
Current Price: $16.99
Rating: 4.8 (Total: 73+)
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If you're looking to elevate your coaching game, 'The Soccer Coach's Toolkit' is a treasure trove of over 250 activities designed to engage players of all ages and skill levels. This book is not just a collection of drills; it's a comprehensive guide that offers clear descriptions and diagrams, making it easy for you to implement fresh ideas in your training sessions. Whether you're preparing for a competitive season or just want to keep practices fun and dynamic, this toolkit has got you covered. Plus, with activities graded from beginner to advanced, you can tailor your sessions to meet the needs of every player on your team.
Coaches rave about how this book simplifies the process of creating training sessions. Many have highlighted the variety of drills that keep players engaged and excited about learning the game. The clear visuals and structured activities make it a favorite among both new and experienced coaches.
"This book has many drills and tips to assist coaches in teaching soccer for all age groups. I taught 6 & 8 year olds, and they really enjoyed the drills and had fun learning soccer."
- Amazon CustomerThis book is perfect for those moments when you're planning a training session and need fresh ideas to keep your players motivated. It's also a great resource for adapting drills to fit different age groups, ensuring that everyone gets the most out of their practice time.
Current Price: $21.33
Rating: 4.7 (Total: 45+)
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This book is your go-to resource for mastering the principles of soccer coaching. 'The Complete Guide to Coaching Soccer Systems and Tactics' dives deep into both attack and defense strategies, making it a must-have for anyone serious about elevating their coaching skills. With clear explanations and practical examples, you'll find it easy to understand and implement various systems of play. Whether you're coaching a youth team or looking to refine your own understanding of the game, this guide has something for you.
Readers appreciate how this book breaks down complex tactics into digestible concepts. Many have noted that it not only helps them understand the game better but also equips them with the tools to teach these strategies effectively to their players. The practical examples and diagrams are particularly praised for enhancing the learning experience.
"Although soccer is constantly evolving, this book is essential for wannabe coaches and anyone who wants to understand what goes on during a match. The clarity of presentation of key concepts is outstanding, making it easy to implement them in practice."
- Carlos SarmentoThis guide is perfect for those moments when you're preparing for a match and need to strategize your team's approach. It's also an excellent resource for coaches looking to introduce new tactics during training sessions, ensuring your players are always learning and adapting.
Current Price: $14.95
Rating: 4.6 (Total: 56+)
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This book is a treasure trove for anyone looking to enhance their coaching skills. 'The HeART of Laser-Focused Coaching' by Marion Franklin offers a revolutionary approach that cuts through the noise and gets right to the heart of coaching. With practical strategies and insights drawn from years of experience, you’ll find yourself equipped to tackle both everyday coaching challenges and those more complex situations that require a deeper understanding. Whether you're just starting out or have been coaching for years, this book is a friendly companion on your journey to mastery.
Readers rave about how this book simplifies complex coaching concepts, making them accessible and actionable. Many have highlighted the effectiveness of the techniques in real coaching scenarios, noting that they not only improve their own skills but also lead to significant breakthroughs for their clients. The inclusion of coaching scripts and examples is particularly appreciated for its practical application.
"As a professional coach, I’ve found that this book has transformed my approach. The Laser-focused coaching techniques have deepened my sessions and helped me get to the root of my clients' issues without getting lost in their stories. The real-life examples are invaluable for understanding how to apply these concepts in practice."
- Lucy QianThis book is perfect for those moments when you feel stuck in your coaching sessions or need fresh ideas to engage your clients. It's also a great resource for preparing for coaching certifications, as it provides foundational knowledge and advanced techniques that can elevate your practice.
Current Price: $19.95
Rating: 4.7 (Total: 929+)
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If you're looking to deepen your understanding of soccer, 'Soccer Positions: A Step-by-Step Guide about Each Player on a Team' by Dylan Joseph is a fantastic resource. This book breaks down each position on the field, providing you with insights into the roles and responsibilities that come with them. Whether you're a player trying to find your best fit, a coach looking to enhance your team's performance, or a parent wanting to support your child's soccer journey, this guide is both practical and easy to follow. It's like having a knowledgeable friend by your side as you navigate the beautiful game.
Readers appreciate how this book simplifies complex concepts about soccer positions, making them accessible for everyone. Many have noted that the detailed explanations and diagrams help clarify the differences between similar roles, which is especially useful for new coaches and players. The practical examples and historical context provided also add depth to the learning experience.
"Soccer Positions is a terrific book. It really makes it easier for players, parents, and coaches looking to improve their knowledge and awareness of the soccer positions while being able to determine where a player's abilities are best suited. Each chapter focuses on a position and breaks down the skills needed, making it a must-read for anyone involved in soccer."
- Toni SinistajThis book is perfect for those moments when you're trying to figure out where you or your child might best fit on the field. It's also a great tool for coaches preparing for the season, as it offers insights that can help in forming strategies and understanding player dynamics. Whether you're at practice or just looking to improve your game knowledge, this guide is a valuable companion.
Current Price: $9.97
Rating: 4.6 (Total: 77+)
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If you're serious about taking your soccer skills to the next level, 'Soccer Mastery' by Chest Dugger is a must-read. This book dives into the habits, secrets, and strategies that can truly elevate your game. It's packed with practical advice that you can apply both on and off the field, making it a great companion for players, coaches, and even parents looking to support their young athletes. The writing is approachable and relatable, almost like having a chat with a knowledgeable friend who genuinely wants to help you succeed.
Readers love how 'Soccer Mastery' breaks down complex concepts into actionable advice. Many have highlighted the book's ability to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, making it easier to understand how to implement new skills during practice or games. The relatable anecdotes and clear explanations resonate well with both novice and experienced players alike.
"As a teacher coach, I like finding books that reinforce things that I use for my teams. The book is an easy read with a lot of important information that can be quickly referenced for the season. The key points are clear and can easily be implemented on the field to multiple levels."
- danThis book is perfect for those moments when you're looking to refine your skills or gain a deeper understanding of the game. Whether you're preparing for a big match, coaching a youth team, or just trying to improve your personal performance, 'Soccer Mastery' offers valuable insights that can help you achieve your goals. It's a great resource to have on hand during training sessions or when you're reflecting on your gameplay.
Current Price: $19.97
Rating: 4.3 (Total: 71+)
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If you're looking to enhance your coaching skills, 'The Intelligent Soccer Coach' by Carl Wild is a fantastic resource. This book dives deep into player-centered coaching, offering practical sessions that help develop confident and creative players. It's not just about drills; it’s about understanding the game and how to foster an environment where players can thrive. Whether you're coaching a youth team or working with more experienced players, this book provides insights that can be applied in real-world scenarios. Plus, the writing style is friendly and engaging, making it feel like you're chatting with a fellow coach who’s eager to share their knowledge.
Readers appreciate how 'The Intelligent Soccer Coach' breaks down complex coaching concepts into manageable sessions. Many have noted that the book not only provides practical drills but also emphasizes the importance of understanding the players' needs and fostering a supportive environment. The relatable anecdotes and clear guidance resonate well with both new and experienced coaches, making it a go-to resource for many.
"Having seen Carl's interview on Gary Curneen's podcast, I bought this book. It impacted me so much that I have already pre-ordered his forthcoming one. The ability to craft and adjust your training sessions based on your team's needs is invaluable. Incorporating skills and techniques under the cloak of fun games gets buy-in from all players while ensuring the work is being done!"
- David O'RourkeThis book is perfect for those times when you're planning your training sessions or looking to refresh your coaching approach. Whether you're preparing for a new season, working with a youth team, or just wanting to improve your coaching methods, 'The Intelligent Soccer Coach' offers valuable insights that can help you create engaging and effective practices. It's a great companion for both on-field sessions and off-field reflections.
Current Price: $22.95
Rating: 4.5 (Total: 67+)
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If you're stepping into the world of coaching soccer, 'Soccer Coaching: A Step-by-Step Guide' by Dylan Joseph is a must-have. This book is like having a mentor by your side, guiding you through the complexities of leading a team, managing parents, and selecting the right formations. It’s packed with practical advice that you can apply immediately, making it perfect for both new and seasoned coaches. The conversational tone makes it feel approachable, as if you’re chatting with a friend who’s eager to help you succeed on the field.
Readers love how 'Soccer Coaching' simplifies the coaching process. Many have found the real-life scenarios and practical advice particularly helpful, especially when dealing with challenging situations involving players and parents. The book’s straightforward approach makes it a favorite among coaches looking to build their confidence and effectiveness on the field.
"I am new to Coaching and to sports. Dylan's books saved me. His series are direct and to the point. It is an easy read and simple to follow. This book and all other books in his series that I have read or thumb through isn't only terrific and geared for coaches, but it is a great tool for parents/guardians and players as well."
- Ramona LuebbersThis book is ideal for those moments when you're preparing for a new season or trying to refine your coaching style. Whether you're facing the challenges of managing a youth team or just want to enhance your coaching skills, 'Soccer Coaching' provides the insights you need to create a positive and productive environment for your players. It's a great resource to have on hand during practice planning or team meetings.
Current Price: $9.97
Rating: 4.3 (Total: 181+)
Buy NowWhen selecting a soccer coaching book, you should consider your coaching level and the age group you are working with. Look for books that align with your experience, whether you are a beginner or have more advanced knowledge. Additionally, consider the specific focus of the book, such as tactical strategies, player development, or mental toughness. Reading reviews can also provide insight into how practical and applicable the content is for your coaching needs.
To effectively implement strategies from soccer coaching books, start by selecting a few key concepts or drills that resonate with your coaching philosophy. Plan your training sessions around these concepts, ensuring you provide clear explanations and demonstrations to your players. It's important to adapt the drills to suit the skill levels of your team and to create a fun, engaging environment. Regularly reflect on the outcomes of each session and be open to modifying your approach based on what works best for your players.
Yes, many of the top soccer coaching books are specifically designed for youth soccer coaches. They provide valuable insights into age-appropriate training methods, player development strategies, and ways to engage young athletes. These books can help you improve your coaching skills by offering practical drills, session plans, and tips for managing both players and parents. By applying the knowledge gained from these resources, you can create a positive learning environment that fosters skill development and a love for the game.
In conclusion, investing in quality soccer coaching books is essential for your growth as a coach and the development of your players. The books highlighted in this guide offer a wealth of knowledge, practical drills, and strategies that can help you create engaging and effective training sessions. By incorporating these resources into your coaching toolkit, you can elevate your game and foster a positive soccer experience for your team.
| Product | Image | Rating | Highlights | Pros | Cons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Practices for Player Development |  |
4.8/5 | Comprehensive training program for an entire season. | Detailed practices, adaptable for various skill levels. | Focused mainly on youth coaching. | $22.95 |
| Mind over Matter: A Toughness Toolbox for Soccer | |
4.9/5 | Focuses on mental toughness and resilience. | Practical strategies for young athletes. | May be too simplistic for advanced players. | $12.99 |
| The Soccer Success PlayBook | |
4.8/5 | Step-by-step guide for new coaches and parents. | Clear explanations and engaging drills. | Limited depth for experienced coaches. | $16.99 |
| The Soccer Coach's Toolkit |  |
4.7/5 | Over 250 activities for player development. | Comprehensive resource for coaches. | Can be overwhelming due to volume. | $21.33 |
| The Complete Guide to Coaching Soccer Systems and Tactics | |
4.6/5 | In-depth analysis of soccer systems and tactics. | Great for understanding game strategies. | More theoretical, less practical drills. | $14.95 |
| The HeART of Laser-Focused Coaching |  |
4.7/5 | Focuses on deep coaching techniques. | Practical insights for effective coaching. | May require prior coaching knowledge. | $19.95 |
| Soccer Positions: A Step-by-Step Guide |  |
4.6/5 | Overview of player positions and responsibilities. | Clear diagrams and examples. | Basic information for advanced players. | $9.97 |
| Soccer Mastery: The little things that make a big difference | |
4.3/5 | Focuses on habits and strategies for improvement. | Practical tips for players. | Some content may be repetitive. | $19.97 |
| The Intelligent Soccer Coach |  |
4.5/5 | Player-centered coaching sessions. | Encourages creativity and confidence. | May not suit all coaching styles. | $22.95 |
| Soccer Coaching: A Step-by-Step Guide |  |
4.3/5 | Guidance on leading players and managing teams. | Practical advice for new coaches. | Limited depth for experienced coaches. | $9.97 |