Whether you prefer the tactile feel of a traditional book or the convenience of digital access, Luxbacher's "Soccer Training: 160 Drills" delivers its wealth of knowledge in both paperback and eBook formats. This flexibility means you can dog-ear physical pages at home or swipe through drills on your tablet during practice.
Luxbacher isn't just another voice in the crowded field of soccer instruction. His 30-year tenure at the University of Pittsburgh, professional playing experience, and USSF "A" License give him the rare trifecta of playing, coaching, and teaching expertise. This shows in how he structures the content – not as a mere collection of drills, but as a progressive system for developing complete players.
The book's greatest strength lies in its versatility. While targeted at players aged 10-18, these 160 drills work like building blocks that coaches can scale up or down. A simple passing drill might start with stationary players, then evolve into a complex pattern with movement and defensive pressure. This adaptability makes it valuable for both youth coaches and those working with more advanced players.
The organization is refreshingly practical. Drills are grouped logically – warm-ups, ball control, passing, shooting, and tactical awareness – making it easy to plan sessions or find specific exercises. Each drill comes with clear setup instructions and illustrations, though some coaches might wish for more troubleshooting tips for when things don't go as planned.
What sets this guide apart is how Luxbacher connects individual skills to game situations. Rather than treating dribbling or passing as isolated skills, he shows how they fit into the larger tactical picture. A drill teaching quick passes, for example, builds toward understanding how to break down a high-pressing defence.
The goalkeeper section, while not extensive, offers solid fundamental drills. However, coaches looking for specialised keeper training might need to supplement with additional resources.
If there's a weakness, it's that some drills feel familiar – variations on classics you might already know. But Luxbacher's experience shines through in how he tweaks these standards, adding progressions and tactical elements that bring fresh life to old exercises.
For £29.95 paperback or £13.99 eBook, you're getting more than just another coaching manual. It's really a coaching philosophy distilled into practical exercises, backed by someone who's spent three decades refining these methods. Whether you're a parent-coach just starting out or an experienced trainer looking to refresh your sessions, there's plenty here to work with.
The bottom line? "Soccer Training: 160 Drills" doesn't aim to innovate; instead, it demonstrates how to improve, accelerate, and enhance the effectiveness of existing techniques. In a sport where fundamentals are timeless, this is precisely what most coaches require.
Having both formats available is particularly useful: keep the paperback in your coaching library for detailed session planning, while using the eBook version for quick reference on the field. The eBook's searchable content and the physical book's ability to withstand weather and wear complement each other perfectly.
A solid addition to any soccer coach's library, combining time-tested drills with modern tactical understanding in whatever format suits your coaching style.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Delivered to You 1st Week, April 2025
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Published: March 27, 2025Price: £16.95Paperback: 200 pagesISBN-10: 1782552723ISBN-13: 978-1782552727Dimensions: 149 x 228 (mm)
