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Coaching youth soccer is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. At the same time, it can get overwhelming. With so many drills, tactics, and personalities, it’s easy to feel like you need extra support, especially if you’re new to coaching or just want to keep your sessions fresh. That’s where good soccer coaching books come in. They can truly change the game for anyone coaching kids, whether you’re heading up a team for the first time or have years of experience and are hunting for new ideas.
I’ve dug into a lot of books on this topic over the years and seen how the right guide can totally transform a team’s energy and skills. The best ones go beyond teaching passing or shooting and help you figure out how to communicate with young players, keep things fun, and build a supportive team culture. Here, I’ve rounded up my top picks for soccer coaching books for youth coaches to make your life on the field a whole lot easier (and way more enjoyable).
If you want quick guidance, here’s a snapshot of how these books compare, then I’ll get into the deeper details below!
Title: Soccer Coaching for Youth
Publisher: Footy Guide Publishing
Recommended For: U6–U15 coaches
Price Range: $9.99–$29.99
Formats Available: Paperback, eBook
Author Experience: Exyouth academy coaches, current USSF license holders
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Practical Drills: 5/5
KidFocused Advice: 5/5
Easy to Implement: 4.5/5
Bonus Resources: 4/5
What Makes a Great Youth Soccer Coaching Book?
A solid soccer coaching book for youth isn’t just a list of technical drills. The best books cover real-world coaching problems, like how to make sure every kid feels included or how to teach defense without making it boring. I’ve found that standout books usually have:
- Clear, realistic explanations (not just prolevel theory)
- Plenty of drills with diagrams or images
- Advice specific to working with kids (not just teenagers or adults)
- Real stories or experiences from active coaches
- Tips for managing parents, volunteers, and team dynamics
I always look for books that help coaches build communication skills, manage player emotions, and understand the different developmental stages of kids between, say, 6 and 14 years old. This is important because most coaching challenges aren’t just about the game, they’re about helping kids thrive and want to come back every season. The following picks all hit those key spots, and I’ll highlight which situations each book fits best as we go along.
About the Authors and My Personal Picks
I take book recommendations for coaching seriously because I know how overwhelming it can feel to filter through all the advice out there. I’m a youth soccer coach myself, with a USSF Grassroots License and more than a decade coaching rec and select teams. Over the years, I’ve picked up loads of books—some brilliant, some totally disappointing, and a few that just collected dust on my shelf. What I value most are clear, practical ideas that work for coaches who have regular schedules, volunteer parents, and a mix of ages and abilities.
Many of the coaching books I consider topnotch are written by people who have spent years on the youth sidelines, like Andy Barney or Tony DiCicco, plus some lesser-known but absolute gems from grassroots coaches. It makes a difference when you feel like the author understands wrangling 12 kids after school, on a muddy field, with a million distractions.
I’ll include a mix of famous mustreads, newer books flying under the radar, and a couple of specialized guides (like for goalkeeping or girls’ teams) that have made a difference on my teams. This list is all about giving you practical tools and ideas you can use right away.
Here’s the USSF’s resource guide too, if you want to round out your reading with their free digital downloads.
Quick Table: My Best Soccer Coaching Books for Youth CoachesBook TitleBest ForAuthorLevelHighlightsCoaching Youth Soccer: The Guide for Coaches, Parents and AthletesAbsolute beginners to youth coachingAmerican Sport Education ProgramU6U12Basics, philosophy, session plansSoccer Smarts for KidsFun learning & parent/kid coachingAndrew LathamU8–U12Games, rules, fun approachThe Baffled Parent’s Guide to Coaching Youth SoccerParent-coaches (rec)Tom Fleck & Ron QuinnU6–U14Step by step, troubleshootingCoaching Outside the BoxLongterm player developmentPaul Mairs & Richard ShawU10–U15Development, mindset, creativitySoccer IQ: Things That Smart Players DoBuilding game understandingDan BlankU10+Simple, funny, practical tipsTraining Soccer ChampionsCompetitive youth teamsTony DiCicco & Colleen HackerU12–U16World Cup approach made simpleComplete Soccer CoachDrills galore/allinoneMike SmithU8–U16Detailed drills/pictures
There are a ton of options out there, so I’ll break down the highlights, strengths, and situations you might grab each book for in the next few sections.
Book Reviews and Recommendations: In-Depth Look
1. Coaching Youth Soccer: The Guide for Coaches, Parents and Athletes
This book is a lifesaver if you’re new to coaching or helping out with your kid’s team for the first time. It’s published by the American Sport Education Program, and it covers everything from planning practices to managing game day nerves. What I really like is that it focuses just as much on what’s happening off the field (like dealing with parents and setting team goals) as it does teaching the basic soccer skills.
Key features:
- Session plans for different ages (with diagrams!)
- Checklists for equipment, safety, and practice flow
- Addresses coaching philosophy, not just Xs and Os
- Simple, direct advice, no jargon or elitelevel talk
The step by step practice plans are especially helpful, and I still use a bunch of these ideas when I coach my U10s. The tone is encouraging without being patronizing, so you don’t feel dumb for not knowing every rule.
Worth picking up if you want a friendly, allaround intro that takes you from zero to feeling prepped for your first season.
2. Soccer Smarts for Kids
This isn’t a typical “for coaches” book. It’s aimed at young players and parents, but honestly, it’s super useful for coaches too. Andrew Latham wrote it with the idea of making rules and skills less intimidating, and every chapter includes simple tips that make practice more engaging for kids. If you run younger teams or want to help new players build their soccer IQ in a fun way, this book is worth checking out.
What I like about this book:
- Explains why certain skills matter, so coaches can better motivate practice
- Fun games and warmups that work for smaller teams (or just parents at home)
- Simple rules breakdown, great for keeping kids on track during scrimmages
I’ve used games from this book as icebreakers for shy kids, or as extra drills for my more energetic groups. It’s great if you coach rec soccer or want something easy to share with team parents who are keen to help out too.
3. The Baffled Parent’s Guide to Coaching Youth Soccer
If you ever felt like soccer is full of mysterious rules and traditions, this book is for you. Written by Tom Fleck and Ron Quinn, two longtime American youth coaches, it walks you through every challenge you’ll face, from learning positions to what to say to grumpy parents after a tough game. I wish I had this when I started coaching. Honestly, I kept it in my bag during my early years and referenced it more than once before practice.
Here’s what it covers:
- Pep talks and “what to say” suggestions
- How to organize tryouts and assign positions fairly
- Explains soccer concepts at a kid’s level
- Problem-solving ideas for discipline or disruptive players
The troubleshooting sections alone are worth it. The advice is practical, and the tone feels like an experienced mentor chatting with you over coffee. Super helpful for parent volunteers or anyone who just fell into coaching but wants to do a good job.
4. Coaching Outside the Box
This book is all about helping players develop not just skills, but a love for creativity and self expression in the game. Paul Mairs and Richard Shaw have backgrounds coaching in both the US and UK academies, and they’re really good at breaking down activities that encourage creative play, something youth sports sometimes miss while drilling basics.
It’s especially good for coaches who want to ditch boring, repetitive drills in favor of sessions that feel like smallsided games. I’ve borrowed lots of activity setups from this book to encourage quick thinking and teamwork. Good for travel or academy teams, but there are plenty of takeaways for younger ages too.
Points I appreciate most:
- Ideas for designing practice sessions that are always changing and challenging kids in new ways
- Focus on helping kids make decisions on the fly, not just memorize plays
- Advice for creating positive team cultures and handling setbacks
If you’ve got a mixedability team and want every player to feel challenged (without losing anyone’s interest), this one’s pretty handy.
5. Soccer IQ: Things That Smart Players Do
Dan Blank’s book is full of the little things great players do, almost like cheat codes for smarter play. It’s funny and super relatable, with anecdotes that make it fun to read, and the tips are practical enough for coaches to teach at any age. I’ve found it especially useful for older elementary or middle school players who are starting to care more about tactical play but still need reminders on the basics.
My favorite uses for this book:
- Bite-size tips to share at practice or before/after games
- Simple “aha” moments for kids (like why you should always follow your shot)
- Handouts or minichallenges for players to try out during the week
If you want to build gamesavvy players who think a step ahead, definitely pick this one up.
6. Training Soccer Champions
This book’s authors, Tony DiCicco and Colleen Hacker, coached the US Women’s National Team. You’d expect heavy, prolevel material, but it’s remarkably down to earth, and most drills are broken down for youth and teen players. It’s ideal for coaches looking to take teams further, maybe in travel soccer or at U12+ rec level where development really kicks off.
Key sections I come back to:
- How to set goals as a team and review progress
- Defensive drills that don’t feel like a punishment
- Insights on building trust and resilience on a youth team
I use a lot of the training frameworks in this book, especially when running tryouts or conducting midseason evaluations. It’s also full of coaching philosophies that help kids play with confidence, not just skill.
7. The Complete Soccer Coach
If you’re after a playbook crammed with diagrams and session ideas you can use right now, Mike Smith’s book is a regular go-to. There are drills here for every skill you can imagine, and most use common, affordable gear. The best part is the troubleshooting, if a drill isn’t working, there’s usually a tip or change to make it more fun or challenging.
This is good for:
- Busy coaches who want to plan a practice in five minutes
- Teams with a wide range of skill levels
- Adding variety to practice so kids stay engaged
It’s the sort of book I keep in my car. Whenever practice feels stale or I can’t remember a warmup, I just flip to a page and find something fresh.
Specialty Soccer Coaching Books That Are Worth Considering
Sometimes you need a book tailored for a specific challenge, like working with very young children or focusing on specialized positions. Here are a few focused guides that made a difference on my teams and in my own coaching progression.
Soccer Coaching for 5-8 Year Olds
Written by Paul Fairclough, this book focuses 100% on the “littles.” That age group needs its own approach; short sessions, lots of movement, and constant encouragement. This guide is packed with games and minidrills perfect for getting young kids excited about soccer rather than overwhelmed. If you coach U6 or U8, it’s gold. The drills are easy to adjust, and there’s tons of advice on keeping groups organized when everyone is moving in different directions at once.
The Soccer Goalkeeper in Training
Goalkeepers can easily get left out of regular practices, but this book keeps them front and center. Andy Elleray’s guide is my go-to for productive, fun keeper sessions. It’s filled with solo and teambased drills to build confidence and agility. Plus, there’s advice for non-specialist coaches, so you’ll never feel like you’re making it up.
Coaching Girls’ Soccer: From Basics to Brilliance
This book by Jacob Daniel covers the unique challenges and opportunities of coaching girls’ teams. There’s practical advice on approaches that resonate, from building a team’s social bond to tackling confidence dips. I like that it doesn’t feel like a book of “do’s and don’ts,” but shares loads of real stories and tested activities that work in girls’ youth soccer environments.
How to Use These Books for Maximum Impact
It’s easy to buy a bunch of soccer coaching books, read a few chapters, and feel overwhelmed. Here’s how I get the most out of any new coaching book:
- Pick one or two drills to bring to each practice. No need to overhaul your whole plan.
- Try the advice in small ways first, like adding a “player of the practice” shoutout if the book suggests celebration is important.
- Photocopy diagrams or tips to share with assistants, helpers, or parents.
- Write down phrases or pep talks you like and adapt them to your team.
- Come back to deeper chapters (like dealing with losing streaks or managing parent conflict) when those issues pop up.
I like to keep sticky notes inside books or use tabs for sections I want to revisit, like favorite warmups or rainy day activities. It keeps everything easy to access on the fly, especially before games or when I’m pressed for time getting ready for practice.
Common Questions When Choosing Youth Coaching Books
Is there a difference between books for youth and adult coaching?
Absolutely! Youth coaching books usually focus more on keeping things simple, fun, and positive. They talk about development, like how to teach sportsmanship and teamwork, rather than just tactics and complex plays. Adult books might discuss advanced formations or professional-level training that isn’t always needed or wanted, especially for younger kids. For youth coaching, go for books specifically made for kids’ age groups. It really makes a difference.
Should I follow session/plans exactly as written?
You can, but I usually treat book plans as templates or jumping-off points. Adjust as needed for your team’s personality, attention span, and the time you’ve got. If a drill’s dragging, mix it up or take a break. The best books give options to simplify or take any exercise up a notch.
How do I use coaching books if I’m working with volunteer assistants?
Give them a copy of your favorite book, or even just a few drills or tips from it. Reviewing books together gets everyone on the same page and helps new helpers understand your coaching style. It’s also handy to build a small library of your best books for anyone stepping in last minute.
I’m new to soccer. Which book should I start with?
Go with “Coaching Youth Soccer” or “The Baffled Parent’s Guide to Coaching Youth Soccer.” Both start from scratch, don’t assume technical knowledge, and have clear diagrams. They’ll get you ready for your first season quickly.
Are eBooks as good as print for coaching books?
I like print books for practice time. They’re easy to bookmark, jot notes in, or flip through during a session. eBooks are convenient for travel, and some come with bonus video content or printable pages. If you’re comfortable with tech, eBooks can be great for instant searches or sharing with assistants. Many main titles are available in both formats now.
Finding More Soccer Coaching Resources
Soccer coaching books only get you started. There are also online forums, YouTube drill channels, and official resources to mix in with your reading. Some sites I check out for drill ideas and uptodate tips include:
- Soccer Coach Weekly (free weekly drills. great for email inspiration)
- SoccerXpert (hundreds of free drill breakdowns)
- Coerver Coaching (famous for skill development approaches)
You can also check your local soccer association for book lending programs. Some bigger clubs keep lending libraries of helpful books, which is nice if you want to browse options before buying your own copy.
My Go-To Ways to Keep Practice Fun Using Book Ideas
- Pick a “theme of the week.” Maybe focus on passing one week and goalkeeping the next, pulling two or three new drills from a book about that skill.
- Mix old and new. I start with a familiar warmup before introducing something I’ve just read about. It helps kids settle in and keeps everyone engaged.
- Let kids vote. If I find a few variations of a game in a book, I’ll let the team choose which one to try. It gives them a voice and gets them pumped for learning new skills.
- Share stories from the books. If an author mentions a famous player who started in youth soccer or a funny team moment, I’ll use it at practice. It helps kids see that everyone starts with the basics and adds to the fun.
Building Your Own “Coaching Toolkit”
Every coach puts their toolkit together a little differently, but here’s what I find very effective for a full season:
- One foundational book for beginners, like “Coaching Youth Soccer” or “Baffled Parent’s Guide”
- One or two full drill collections with diagrams, like “Complete Soccer Coach”
- A couple specialty guides as needed (goalkeeping, motivating girls, etc.)
- Sticky notes and highlighters for marking ideas
- One notebook or digital doc for tweaks and notes. Jot down what worked, what bombed, which drills got the biggest laughs
This setup lets you adapt from season to season, especially as your players grow and your coaching style evolves. I also make a habit of sharing my best books with new coaches when they join, so everyone in the club or rec league has a head start.
If You Only Buy One Book…
I get asked all the time, “Which soccer coaching book should I actually buy?” If you’re on the fence, here’s my straight-up advice. If you’re totally new, you won’t regret starting with “Coaching Youth Soccer” from the American Sport Education Program. If you have some experience and want more session ideas, “The Complete Soccer Coach” is super practical. Looking to inspire play and creativity? “Coaching Outside the Box” helps you see soccer in a new light.
All of these picks are books I’ve personally used, and I can honestly say they’ve upped my coaching game. They’ve made life on the field more fun, productive, and positive—for myself and my team. At the end of the day, that’s what youth soccer is about.
Where to Buy the Best Soccer Coaching Books
Most of these books are available at big retailers like Amazon, Bookshop.org, or your local bookstore. Sometimes soccer associations or coaching clubs offer discounts or free PDF downloads, so check with them before you buy. For eBooks, Kindle and Apple Books offer instant downloads—handy if you need ideas in a pinch.
If you coach with a partner, sharing access or trading books between practices is a cost-friendly way to double your resources. I’ve even lent and swapped my favorites at endofseason banquets, which always sparks conversation and helps new parents become more involved.
Final Thoughts: Picking The Right Book For Your Team’s Ride
Youth soccer coaching books aren’t just about drills. They help you keep practice fun, communicate better with your players, and handle those little daily curveballs. The best books become trusty guides you return to season after season, whether you’re helping a shy new kid, bouncing back from a tough loss, or trying to spark energy on a cold, rainy day.
Buying a good coaching book really does make the job easier and more enjoyable—not just for you, but your team too. With the right mix of advice, drills, and real soccer wisdom, you’ll keep every kid smiling and learning until the season’s last whistle.
Got questions about which book is right for your situation or want to share your own pick? Just drop a comment below. I love talking shop and will reply as fast as I can with more tips or ideas to match your team, practice setup, or experience level.
If you’re ready to roll with the next soccer season, grabbing one or two of these youth coaching books will have you walking onto the field feeling confident, full of ideas, and ready for whatever the kids toss your way!