Soccer Skills for Young Players

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

Both men and women are shown executing the various skills throughout the book. This clearly written title will appeal most to readers who have been enjoying this sport for a few seasons.
-- School Library Journal

Soccer has exploded in North America with successful franchises in Canada and the U.S. and starry-eyed supporters dreaming of the World Cup. Games sell out, fans pack stadiums, cities celebrate victories and mourn losses. There is a new generation of celebrity players and a new generation of their fans have followed them onto the field.

This fully illustrated step-by-step guide is for them. It covers all aspects of soccer, from historical background and soccer jargon to basic ball control and defensive and offensive strategies.

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 for Young Players 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
• 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 for Young Players is essential for players and coaches of the world's most popular sport.

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.