Soccer Training: A Step-by-Step Guide on 14 Topics for Intelligent Soccer Players, Coaches, and Parents
Author: Dylan Joseph
My review:
I’m the son of an Irish immigrant who loved soccer. I was taught to play at a very young age. I also remember him coaching an Army team when we lived in Germany. I played through High School and on our command team in the Navy – eventually coaching myself. I took one too many injuries and stopped playing.
That was the bane of my sporting career. I love sports but my body just says “no.” I played most of a season in High School with a cast on an arm. First one, then both, and finally back to one. Oh, to be young again!
I could have used a few tips in this book, for both playing and coaching. My daughter is five years old and I’m getting her started in this wonderful game. It’s a family tradition, after all! The parent and coaching tips are invaluable for me.
From Dylan’s Author Biography
Dylan Joseph is devoted to the world’s favorite game: SOCCER. A soccer player for over two decades and a trainer for over a decade, he has countless hours of experience developing trainees to become top performers. He has worked with tens of thousands of players, many of which have gone on to play for major universities across the United States and even the U16 U.S. National Soccer Team. You can find Dylan Joseph’s website here.
I’ve read a lot of training books and a fair share of sports training books. Dylan takes a unique approach here, first giving instruction for the chapter topic, then tips for parents, and finally tips for coaches.
The start of each chapter breaks down the topic in a step-by-step fashion. Then he goes into detail about the subject. This section isn’t just for the players: parents and coaches alike will get value here as well.
Being a soccer mom or dad can be frustrating. We all want our kids to be the best they can be. The parenting tips in each chapter will help you become a great soccer parent and keep you clear of the mistakes we all see other parents making.
You’ll learn how to talk to your kids effectively and how to approach the coach. Your children will appreciate your understanding and helpful critique. These tips alone make this book a “must have” for all parents of athletes – not just soccer parents.
In the coaching tips, Dylan gives advice on talking to the players in an effective manner. He’s teaching how to be a teacher. It’s similar to the parenting tips but with more instruction on the chapter topic. Coaches will also do well to read the parenting tips. They all work together to help the players reach their full potential.
Overall
Who could benefit from this book? Just about anyone, really. Soccer players will benefit from the advice, instruction, and tips given. They’ll also benefit by reading the parenting and coaching tips. Each of those will make the player better.
Parents of soccer players (and athletes in general) will benefit from the tips for parents. They would also do well to pay attention to the coaching tips.
Coaches (and future coaches) will benefit from all sections. A coach can never learn too much. Obviously the “coaching tips” are great for you, but the other sections will equip you with the skills you need to make you a better coach. Knowing how to relate to players is a skill you must have to be an effective coach and leader.
I enjoyed the read and picked up some valuable information that I will use while teaching my daughter soccer and even with her dancing. The advice given in Soccer Training is worth the price of admission. You can’t go wrong here!
