Great Soccer Drills - Paperback

by Thomas Fleck (Author), Ronald W. Quinn (Author)

A PAPERBACK ORIGINAL

A games-based alternative to tedious rote exercises, guaranteed to keep practices fun, engaging, and productive

Great Soccer Drills provides soccer coaches with a great way to make every soccer practice active, fun, and productive. Coaches get 125 games guaranteed to keep kids moving and excited while teaching them basic skills, sharpening their reflexes, and building their confidence and decision-making ability. Written by two of North America's foremost names in youth soccer coaching, it also includes guidelines on how to create just the right blend of drills to hold the attention of six- to twelve-year-old players.

Great Soccer Drills can be used in conjunction with the bestselling Coaching Youth Soccer: A Baffled Parent's Guide or as an excellent stand-alone resource for spicing up any practice.

Back Jacket

"One of the most useful soccer books I've seen."--Dr. John McKeon, executive director (retired), National Soccer Coaches Association of America

"Young soccer players should be trained in an environment that is safe, fun, and has direct implications for the game. This book has 125 ways to do just that. I strongly recommend it to all parents and coaches."--Bob Gansler, head coach, Kansas City Wizards (2000 MLS Champions)

Did we say "drills"? Sorry, we meant games. That's right. Games that teach them more effectively than the tedious drills you endured as a kid. Games that challenge but do not frustrate them. Games that build rather than undermine a child's confidence and sense of involvement.

Great Soccer Drills contains 125 dynamic games and activities designed to keep your players moving, thinking, and most of all, having fun. The "games approach" to team practices allows you to teach soccer basics like ball control, movement, passing, and shooting while enhancing team communication and decision-making skills. You'll even learn a thing or two about coaching style, and how to make improvement--rather than winning or losing--the goal of your season.

• Learn creative activities that develop skills quickly and painlessly
• Use the Troubleshooting Chart to pinpoint problems
• Develop coordination, cooperation, and camaraderie among your players
• Design effective practices using the sample practices
• Create a positive attitude, build team spirit, and get along with parents
• Make practices fun and rewarding
• Match practices to age and ability

"Since my retirement, I have been coaching youth teams and have found the games approach presented in this book the only way to coach. A must for every youth soccer coach."--Andy Caruso, founder and former president, Kwik Goal

"Already regarded as national authorities on youth coaching and player development, Ron and Tom recently received international recognition when they addressed the European Coaches Association."--Jay Miller, former coach, U-17 National Team

Author Biography

Tom Fleck is a former president of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, and is currently director of coaching and player development for the Idaho Youth Soccer Association.

Ron Quinn is an associate professor and director of the sport studies program at Xavier University, where he is also head coach of the women's soccer team.