Books For Soccer Coaches: Our Top 10 Picks

Books For Soccer Coaches: Our Top 10 Picks

Indeed, soccer coaching is a multifaceted field, and numerous books can benefit those pursuing a career in coaching. Here is a selection of some of the best books for soccer coaches

The adage "knowledge is power" holds more truth in soccer coaching than ever. If you aspire to carve out a successful career as a soccer coach, you're in the right place. Soccer is ever-evolving, with strategies, techniques, and tactics constantly shifting on and off the field. To stay ahead of the game and make a lasting impact on your team, it's imperative to expand your knowledge and refine your coaching skills continually. Fortunately, a treasure trove of wisdom and expertise exists within the pages of books explicitly tailored for soccer coaches.

These books for soccer coaches are carefully curated for coaches of all levels. In addition, they are penned by some of the most revered and accomplished experts in the field of soccer. They offer a profound insight into the game's intricacies, providing a roadmap to success beyond the pitch. Whether you're a novice coach looking to build a solid foundation, a seasoned veteran aiming to refine your strategies, or even an aspiring coach taking your first steps into soccer leadership, these books are your invaluable companions.

You'll discover a wealth of knowledge about soccer coaching within these books. The subjects range from coaching philosophies and training methodologies to leadership principles and game analysis. With their years of experience and understanding of the beautiful game, these authors are ready to be your mentors. Thus, they can guide you toward becoming your best soccer coach. So, prepare to embark on a journey of enlightenment, empowerment, and excellence. Let's delve into the world of books for soccer coaches.

Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Soccer Tactics by Jonathan Wilson

This book is an indispensable resource for soccer coaches seeking a comprehensive understanding of the sport's tactical evolution. Wilson takes readers on a journey through the history of soccer tactics. In addition, the book traces the development of playing styles and formations. This includes from the game's early days to the modern era. This book offers valuable insights into how tactics have evolved. These information will help coaches gain a deeper appreciation for the strategic aspects of soccer.

Through historical context and the evolution of tactics, coaches can enhance their ability to adapt and innovate in today's game. It's an essential read for anyone looking to elevate their coaching expertise. Plus, coaches can gain a deeper appreciation for the beautiful game.

Soccer IQ: Things That Smart Players Do by Dan Blank

Here's another essential read for soccer coaches seeking to enhance the mental aspects of their players' game. Blank's book delves into the intricacies of decision-making and soccer intelligence, providing valuable insights for players and coaches. Also, it offers practical advice on improving on-field decision-making, anticipating opponents' moves, and developing the soccer IQ. Thus, the book sets smart players apart.

Coaches can use this book to help their players better understand the game and make better choices during matches. With a focus on the mental aspects of soccer, this resource is a valuable addition to any coach's library. Additionally, this well help them nurture more intelligent and influential players on the field.

Coaching the Tiki Taka Style of Play by Jed C. Davies

It is a must-read for soccer coaches looking to master the possession-based playing style popularized by teams like Barcelona. This book for soccer coaches meticulously dissects the principles and drills essential for effectively implementing the Tiki Taka system. It offers a comprehensive guide to understanding this style's intricate passing, movement, and positional play.

Coaches can learn to instill Tiki Taka's philosophy in their teams. Therefore, your team will learn emphasizing quick, precise passing and maintaining possession as crucial components. Davies provides practical training exercises and strategies. This allows coaches to develop players who can execute this beautiful and functional style of play. Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting, this book is an invaluable resource for those seeking to embrace the Tiki Taka philosophy.

The Modern Soccer Coach: Position-Specific Training by Gary Curneen

Suppose you want to enhance your players' position-specific skills. In that case, this book by Gary Curneed is one of the most invaluable resources. This practical guide provides a wealth of drills and exercises meticulously tailored to various roles on the field. Whether you want to improve your defenders' tackling techniques, midfielders' passing precision, or forwards' finishing abilities, this book offers a comprehensive roadmap for targeted training sessions.

Curneen's insights and expertise help coaches refine their coaching strategies. This ensures players receive focused and practical development in their respective positions. With its emphasis on individual and position-specific training, this book equips coaches with the necessary tools. As a result, they will be able to nurture well-rounded and specialized players who can excel in their roles.

Coaching Youth Soccer: A Baffled Parent's Guide by Bobby Clark

"Coaching Youth Soccer: A Baffled Parent's Guide" by Bobby Clark is a valuable companion for coaches navigating the challenges of working with young players. It offers essential tips, techniques, and guidance for coaching and nurturing these budding athletes. This helps them develop their skills and a deep passion for the game. Clark's experience and insights provide a solid foundation for coaches to create engaging and practical training sessions, promote sportsmanship, and foster a love for soccer in their young charges.

Perfect for a parent turned coach or a newcomer to coaching youth soccer. In addition, this book equips you with the knowledge and strategies needed to positively impact young players' development. This includes both on and off the field.

Soccer Tough: Simple Football Psychology Techniques to Improve Your Game by Dan Abrahams

For soccer coaches looking to enhance their players' mental resilience and on-field performance, this book by Dan Abrahams is a must-read. This book strongly focuses on the psychological aspects of soccer. It offers practical techniques that players can use to toughen up mentally. It covers confidence, focus, dealing with pressure, and maintaining a winning mindset.

Coaches can use Abrahams' insights to help their players develop the mental strength to excel in high-pressure situations. Building a mentally strong team is crucial for success on the soccer field, and this book equips coaches with valuable tools and strategies to achieve that. Whether you're coaching youth or professional players, "Soccer Tough" provides actionable advice to enhance your team's mental game and overall performance.

The Football Coaching Bible by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA)

While primarily focused on American football, The Football Coaching Bible provides valuable coaching principles and strategies that can be adapted for soccer coaching. Coaches can find a wealth of knowledge in this book, including insights into leadership, team management, and coaching techniques that can be applied to various sports, including soccer.

The AFCA has gathered contributions from a diverse group of experienced coaches, making this book a valuable resource for soccer coaches seeking to expand their coaching knowledge and expertise. It offers a broader perspective on coaching, emphasizing leadership skills and team management that are universally applicable to sports coaching. Soccer coaches looking to enhance their coaching toolkit and leadership abilities will find this book valuable to their library.

The Art of Soccer Coaching by William Beswick

Drawing on his extensive background as a sports psychologist working with top soccer clubs, Beswick shares invaluable wisdom on critical aspects of coaching. Coaches seeking to foster a positive team culture will find guidance in cultivating a cohesive and motivated group of players. Effective communication strategies are also explored, helping coaches convey their ideas and instructions with clarity and impact.

Moreover, the book delves into the crucial realm of mental resilience, equipping coaches with tools to help their players develop the mental fortitude needed to excel on the field. This book is a must-read for any soccer coach looking to elevate their coaching skills.

Soccer Speed by Richard Bate

Bate's book is a valuable tool for coaches, providing a comprehensive array of drills and techniques to develop these critical aspects of soccer performance. Thus, this book serves as an essential resource for soccer coaches looking to enhance their players' speed and agility, crucial attributes in the game.

Whether you're coaching youth teams or more experienced players, this book equips you with the knowledge and exercises necessary to improve speed, agility, and quickness on the field. Richard Bate's expertise in soccer coaching shines through in this practical guide, making it an indispensable addition to any coach's library. Elevate your team's performance and competitive edge with the insights and strategies in "Soccer Speed."

Periodization in Football by Raymond Verheijen

"Periodization in Football" by Raymond Verheijen revolutionizes soccer conditioning by introducing the concept of periodization. This book is a good read for soccer coaches seeking to design highly effective training programs that maximize player performance while minimizing the risk of injuries. Verheijen's expertise in the field shines through as he provides a comprehensive guide on how to structure training throughout the season.

By applying periodization principles, coaches can ensure their players are peaking at the correct times, whether for essential matches or competitions. Moreover, this book emphasizes injury prevention, helping coaches implement strategies to keep their players in top physical condition. With Raymond Verheijen's insights, coaches can take their training programs to the next level, ultimately improving team performance and player well-being.

Final Thoughts

In your quest to become a successful soccer coach, remember that knowledge is your greatest ally, and the books tailored for soccer coaches are your gateway to a deeper understanding of the game. These resources are indispensable companions on your coaching journey, offering insights, strategies, and wisdom to transform your coaching approach and elevate your team's performance. However, while coaching knowledge is paramount, it's also crucial to remember the importance of player safety. Every coach knows that using a soccer shin guard is essential to protect your players on the field.

Consider investing in a custom-fit shin guards in soccer like the Cobra Shin Guards when safeguarding your team. These guards offer top-tier protection and ensure a comfortable fit for each player, enhancing their confidence and performance on the pitch. By combining the knowledge gained from soccer coaching books with the right equipment, you're well on your way to creating a winning team and leaving a lasting legacy as a successful soccer coach. So, equip yourself with these books for soccer coaches, prioritize player safety, and watch your coaching career reach new heights of excellence.

Back to blog