Soccer Coaching: Principles of Technical and Tactical Development

Over twenty million Americans are playing the great game of soccer. This guide is for their coaches; it will help both the new and the experienced youth and high school coaches develop complete players, those who master the three fundamental elements of tech­nique, tactics, and function. There are many technique books on the market, and a few tactical books, but none which attempt to integrate technique, tactics, and function with accompanying game activities. As in state-of-the-art coaching for all sports, this integration is best developed through a system of progressions. Building upon a logical progression of exercises, activities, and shortsided games, this guide will help the coach to apply the princi­ples of play to the game of soccer and the development of soccer players. Too often these principles are overlooked by coaches; yet they are the very foundation of the game! Once a coach can view game action from this point of view he is capable of making important/relevant suggestions that relate to training and general principles. This facilitates player growth and game results.