Soccer continues to grow in popularity in the United States, with another huge surge thanks to the U.S. Women's Team winning the World Cup in 1999. But players can only be as good as their coaches, and coaches are always looking for help. Soccer: How to Play the Game contains detailed information on necessary skills, from basics like dribbling the ball and throw-ins to advanced skills like sliding tackles and goalkeeping. Each is presented separately, with photographs and drawings of a player executing the skill, advice on how to perform it and when to use it, and most common mistakes. Over 100 practice games, coded for different player ages and levels of instruction, are also outlined to help players develop their technique. Throughout the book, the authors stress the need to create a positive environment in practice and encourage creativity as well as technical correctness. Most importantly, the authors understand that kids are not just small adults--and they back up their understanding with advice on how to help kids fall in love with "the beautiful game." Published under the auspices of the United States Soccer Federation, Soccer: How to Play the Game will inspire coaches and players alike. --Sunny Delaney


Book Description
The official playing and coaching manual for youth soccer of the United States Soccer Federation.

The definitive playing and coaching manual for youth soccer. Compiled by the coaching, educational and technical staff of U.S. Soccer, this book offers extensive information on all aspects of the game, technique, tactics, laws, prevention and care of injury, coaching preparation, organizational structure, model training sessions, and more than 100 practice games suitable for developing aspects of every player's game.

Features numerous games for developing dribbling * passing * finishing * heading * defending * goalkeeping, as well as games specifically for young beginners * games to teach tactics * overall soccer decision-making.

Extensive technique section offers detailed pointers on dribbling and turning moves * shielding * passing * receiving * drives * chips, bending the ball and volleys * heading * marking * tackling * goalkeeping catches * dives and saves.

Tactical chapters offer detailed information on fundamental attacking tactics * defensive principles * restart tactics for defensive and offensive success.

Model training sections construct excellent practice sessions, from warmup through cool down exercises * useful for all coaches as a guide to improving performance * efficiency * enjoyment of training.

FROM THE PUBLISHER