The Soccer Starter

Soccer is the fastest growing sport in America: almost nine million children between the ages of six and eleven play, making it second in that age group behind basketball. But because of its only recent explosion in popularity, many coaches are about as inexperienced as the children on their teams. Directed toward the inexperienced soccer coach, but useful for anyone interested in improving their coaching (and players’) abilities, this work addresses both the physical and mental aspects of the game. It provides a detailed overview of the fundamental skills of controlling, shielding, defending, turning, feinting, dribbling, passing, shooting, and defending, and gives keys to smart play and sportsmanship for coaches and players. It also provides tips for: adapting the game to different age groups, structuring and running practices, getting the most out of each match, and answering the most common questions asked by coaches and parents. Illustrations and diagrams supplement the text.

The captain and Most Valuable Player of the 1981 Cornell University soccer team, William C. Summers continues to play in the Garden State (New Jersey) Soccer League. A consultant in corporate communications, he lives in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.

William C. Summers

Illustrated by Robert John Reedy
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 200
Bibliographic Info: 92 photos & diagrams, tables, appendices, glossary, index
Copyright Date: 2002
pISBN: 978-0-7864-1187-0
eISBN: 978-1-4766-1141-9
Imprint: McFarland

Tables and Figures     ix
Introduction     1

1. Soccer: One Sport Fits All     5
2. Learning How to Play the Ball     22
3. Basic Skills with the Ball     34
4. Basic Skills without the Ball     62
5. The Field Positions     69
6. The Goalkeeper     73
7. Six Keys to Smart Play     83
8. Encourage Creativity     88
9. Restarts    & 91
10. Running a Practice     97
11. Drills for Teams and Individuals     123
12. Coaching a Match     156
13. The Ten Most Important Things a Coach Can Do     162

Appendix A: Common Questions and Answers     169
Appendix B. Ten Quick Tips     179
Glossary     183
Index     189

“Thousands of parents and volunteers who have never played soccer but find themselves coaching the sport now have a sidekick to help them succeed…gives inexperienced coaches the direction they need…gives answers to the most common questions asked by coaches and parents”—The Charlotte Observer.