A Coach's Essential Guide
From the moment I picked up Luxbacher's "Soccer Training: 160 Drills", the quality was evident. The book's physical presence matches its content — solid, professional, and built to last. As someone who values practical coaching resources, I immediately reached for my notepad, and I'm glad I did.
This comprehensive guide, released in March 2025, proves itself invaluable for anyone coaching players between 10 and 18 years old. The book's greatest strength lies in its accessibility — the instructions are refreshingly straightforward, making complex training concepts digestible for coaches at any level.
The organisation is particularly impressive. Luxbacher's three decades of experience at the University of Pittsburgh, combined with his professional playing background and USSF "A" license, shines through in how he structures the content. Rather than just throwing 160 drills at the reader, he creates a progressive system that builds complete players from the ground up.
What I particularly appreciate is the book's versatility. Each drill functions as a modular component, adaptable to the level of your team. The logical grouping, which includes warm-ups, ball control, passing, shooting, and tactical awareness, simplifies the process of planning sessions. The clear setup instructions and accompanying illustrations leave little room for confusion.
One thoughtful touch is the availability of both paperback (£29.95) and eBook (£13.99) formats. I've found having both versions particularly useful — the paperback stands up to weather and wear during field sessions, while the searchable eBook proves perfect for quick reference when planning.
The goalkeeper section could be improved, as it is solid but could be more extensive. Additionally, some drills may feel familiar to experienced coaches, though Luxbacher's progressive variations add fresh perspective to these standards.
At 200 pages, this Meyer & Meyer Sport publication delivers exceptional value for its price point. Whether you're a parent stepping into coaching for the first time or a seasoned trainer looking to refresh your approach, you'll find plenty of practical material to enhance your sessions.
A word of advice: keep a pen and notebook handy. You'll want to jot down ideas as you read — there's simply too much valuable information to absorb in one sitting.
Verdict: A must-have addition to any soccer coach's library. The clear instructions, practical approach, and wealth of adaptable drills make the book an invaluable resource for developing young players. While some drills may be familiar, Luxbacher's systematic approach to player development sets this guide apart from typical coaching manuals.
This comprehensive guide, released in March 2025, proves itself invaluable for anyone coaching players between 10 and 18 years old. The book's greatest strength lies in its accessibility — the instructions are refreshingly straightforward, making complex training concepts digestible for coaches at any level.
The organisation is particularly impressive. Luxbacher's three decades of experience at the University of Pittsburgh, combined with his professional playing background and USSF "A" license, shines through in how he structures the content. Rather than just throwing 160 drills at the reader, he creates a progressive system that builds complete players from the ground up.
What I particularly appreciate is the book's versatility. Each drill functions as a modular component, adaptable to the level of your team. The logical grouping, which includes warm-ups, ball control, passing, shooting, and tactical awareness, simplifies the process of planning sessions. The clear setup instructions and accompanying illustrations leave little room for confusion.
One thoughtful touch is the availability of both paperback (£29.95) and eBook (£13.99) formats. I've found having both versions particularly useful — the paperback stands up to weather and wear during field sessions, while the searchable eBook proves perfect for quick reference when planning.
The goalkeeper section could be improved, as it is solid but could be more extensive. Additionally, some drills may feel familiar to experienced coaches, though Luxbacher's progressive variations add fresh perspective to these standards.
At 200 pages, this Meyer & Meyer Sport publication delivers exceptional value for its price point. Whether you're a parent stepping into coaching for the first time or a seasoned trainer looking to refresh your approach, you'll find plenty of practical material to enhance your sessions.
A word of advice: keep a pen and notebook handy. You'll want to jot down ideas as you read — there's simply too much valuable information to absorb in one sitting.
Verdict: A must-have addition to any soccer coach's library. The clear instructions, practical approach, and wealth of adaptable drills make the book an invaluable resource for developing young players. While some drills may be familiar, Luxbacher's systematic approach to player development sets this guide apart from typical coaching manuals.
