Soccer Skills: For Young Players

Making the most of preparation and practice time with this comprehensive skills-guide.

This handbook has everything the young soccer player needs to improve his or her game. Fully illustrated with step-by-step sequences for optimum performance, it covers all aspects of the sport: historical background, soccer jargon, and basic defensive and offensive strategies. The book is suitable for players just starting out and for the more experienced player looking to fix a persistent problem or improve a specific skill.

With dozens of color photographs, Soccer Skills features:

• Ball control
• Passing skills
• Running with the ball
• Free kicks, corner kicks, "bending the ball"
• Hitting the back of the net
• Controlling the ball on the head
• Shadowing and tackling
• Goal-keeping
• Warming-up and cooling-down exercises
• Pre-match preparation and off-season conditioning
• Pre- and post-game nutrition tips.

Training drills used by soccer's top professionals are combined with sequential photographs and detailed explanations. At-a-glance tips help players solve problems and polish their techniques.

From the necessary skills to strategic tips for winning, Soccer Skills is essential for players and coaches of the world's most popular sport.

Editorial Reviews

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School Library Journal, October 2000 - Blair Christolon

More than 70 drills for beginner to advanced players ... illustrated by at least one colorful action photograph ... clearly written.

Children's Literature - Childrens Literature

Children who think they have the corner on soccer expertise will find more than a few surprises here. This title explains the basics of the game in 71 drills, where the author details specific soccer plays, such as heading for the goal, advanced trapping, speed dribbling, speed kicks and warm-ups. Color photographs of adult players executing the highlighted plays and helpful diagrams to aid readers' understanding of the author's instruction accompany each drill. There is a useful glossary and informational sketches of some famous soccer players with brief narratives dovetailing with specific drills. Given this book's breadth and soccer's popularity, the author's failure to warn children about the health risks associated with hitting soccer balls with their heads is unfortunate. Instead, his discussion of heading the soccer ball is limited to the proper technique to use with this play. 2000, Firefly Books Ltd., Ages 10 up, $14.95. Reviewer: Bruce Adelson—Children's Literature

About The Author:

Ted Buxton, a soccer coach with 30 years of experience, spent three years coaching the Tampa Bay Rowdies, who twice won their division in the North American Soccer League. As the manager of China's national soccer team he took the team to the Asian Cup Final. He lives in England.