Soccer is a Thinking Game: A Simple Approach to Coaching Youth Soccer (Ages 5-12)

"I wish that this book had been published several years ago when I was assistant coaching my daughter's team. It has a wealth of useful insights for both the nonsoccer coach as well as the seasoned one." -Katy Hwostow, recreational soccer player turned soccer mom, Centreville, Virginia Now you can take your coaching-and your team-to the next level with this innovative and down-to-earth approach to coaching youth soccer. Most soccer coaching guides are nothing more than a boring encyclopedia of soccer drills that do little to help you become successful. Seasoned youth soccer coaches Darren McKnight and Radovan Pletka combine their experience to examine issues critical to your success, including teaching techniques, organization, and communication. They also deliver helpful tips for managing expectations and dealing with many types of parents and personalities. Soccer-specific topics focus on evolutionary, results-driven drills, skills improvement, positioning, teamwork, and the overarching axiom that what you do without the ball is more important than what you do with the ball. Written for novice parents whose kids are begging them to coach their team, this must-have guide also provides fresh ideas for long-time soccer coaches. With Soccer Is a Thinking Game, you'll be ready to kick off a winning season!