Unlike other coaching manuals which mainly focus on the setting up of drills, this book steps far beyond that and encourages the coach to think about why the drills are important, how they can be improved upon, and what benefits can be gained from each of the drills. It also demonstrates how drills can be adapted and that is one of the great strengths of this book.
It asks simple but important questions which assist in the development of Coaches by encouraging self assessment and reflection. This enables the coach to tailor the training to the individual skill of their particular students. Whether they are youngsters or more experienced players this book will enable the coach to ask themselves the right questions about method and process to be more effective in their training at every level.
Coaching the Coach is well written and intuitive. It starts off with with a simple warm up and works through basic drills gently up to advanced level with each Chapter. All the time the author asks questions of the coach and guides the coach in their assessment of the effectiveness of the drill, assisting self reflection and improvement in all areas. The drills themselves are detailed with easy to understand diagrams and photographs are included to explain the process.
The book is suitable for Coaches of young players, which is where the early development is so very important, and the later chapters in particular will be useful for footballers at any level, while encouraging adaptation of the drills to the skill level of the players.
I would especially recommend it for anyone who is interested in becoming a soccer coach, and those who have already started training whether they are taking their Level 1 qualifications or above.
Parents who have young children involved or interested in playing soccer or Youth Leaders, could also benefit greatly from reading this book, as it teaches a philosophy of coaching that can equally be used to help their own children in the garden or playing field. Youngsters who want to get involved in football will greatly benefit from parents or leaders with this knowledge and philosophy of coaching.
Last week the book became the best seller in it's category Training & Coaching on Amazon. Deservedly so in my opinion, and even more noteworthy as a debut author, and a coach who is clearly passionate about grassroots football and development.
About the author:
Richard Seedhouse is an FA tutor holding the UEFA B (Level3) Coaching Licence and the Level 2 goalkeeping Coaching Certificate. He is an FA Centre of Excellence coach with Coventry City Ladies and has coached the youth team at Nuneaton Borough FC.
Richard maintains his grassroots links as the Football Development Officer at Coundon Court FC, recent winners of the FA Charter Standard Development Club of the Year award for the Midlands Region.
Coaching The Coach - A complete guide how to coach soccer skills through drills
