Coaching Kids to Play Soccer

COACHES AND PARENTS OF SOCCER PLAYERS OF ALL LEVELS, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU! Revised and updated with new information, drills, diagrams, and photos, this friendly, easy-to-use, fully illustrated guide shows coaches how to run a successful soccer team -- no matter how much experience they have or what level of soccer they coach. From building a roster to making sure everyone has a ride home at the end of the game and everything in between: • SETTING UP THE FIRST PRACTICE • TEACHING THE BASICS • DEVELOPING SKILL THROUGH DRILLS AND EXERCISES • LEARNING THE RULES • ENCOURAGING FAIR PLAY AND HEALTHY COMPETITION Emphasizing that kids should have fun, stay active, and learn about team spirit and competition, win or lose, the authors detail every step of building a soccer team that plays well and plays healthy, while having a great time. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the game, Coaching Kids to Play Soccer has the answers to every coach's questions. Don't start the season without it!

Jim San Marco was a teacher, athletic director, and coach at Edgemont High School in Scarsdale, New York, who finished his eighteen-year soccer coaching career with a 211-67-24 soccer record. He was recognized as the Section I Soccer Coach of the Year, New York State Section I Athletic Director of the Year, and he has served as a New York State soccer coaching clinician and a New York State Physical Education Convention speaker. He lives in Briarcliff Manor, New York.

CONTENTS Foreword Preface 1. It's All Yours, Coach 2. General Guidelines for Parents, Players and Coaches 3. Pre-Practice Preparation 4. 25 Important Things Your Players Should Know 5. The Rules of the Game and Dimensions of the Field 6. Juggling 7. The Skills of Soccer 8. Exercises to Improve Skills 9. Goalkeeping 10. Offensive Tactics 11. Defensive Tactics 12. Restarts 13. Systems of Play 14. Pre-Game Check List 15. Practice and Pre-Game Warm-up Routine Some Concluding Thoughts Glossary General Resources