Getting started as a new soccer coach can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re searching for solid, practical tactics that actually work on the field. I remember my first season juggling drills, figuring out formations, and wishing I had a go-to guide instead of learning everything the hard way.
There are tons of soccer coaching resources out there, but finding beginnerfriendly eBooks that explain tactics, systems, and adjustments in simple language isn’t always easy. The right eBook can boost your confidence, give structure to training sessions, and help your players pick up the game faster.
I put together a list of the best soccer tactics eBooks for new coaches. Every title here breaks down classic formations, teaches the why behind each play, and offers drills you can start using right away. You don’t need chalkboard expertise to benefit from what these guides offer; each book makes it straightforward to help your squad improve from the very first practice.
1. Soccer Tutor – Modern Soccer Tactics Collection
Soccer Tutor offers one of the best eBook collections for new coaches who want modern, stepby-step advice. Their eBooks are packed with formation breakdowns, clear diagrams, and real match examples. I found their guides super useful for both practice planning and actual matchdays.
What’s Inside:
- Simple explanations of 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 3-5-2 and other popular systems
- Training exercises and session plans tailored to each formation
- Guidance on player roles, transitions, and building attacks from the back
- Real-life scenarios and troubleshooting tips
These eBooks have helped me make tactical adjustments on the fly; my confidence in front of the team has grown quite a bit thanks to their straightforward approach. Especially for new coaches, Soccer Tutor’s eBooks are worth checking out.
2. Coaching Soccer Tactics by Massimo Lucchesi
This eBook has a reputation for explaining complex tactics in a super approachable way. Lucchesi keeps things simple, focusing on principles that work at every level. Whether you’re coaching young kids or teens, you’ll find drills here that reinforce basic positional play and team balance—two things that trip up a lot of new coaches, including me.
Highlights:
- Formation diagrams that make setup easy
- Advice on creating space, pressing, and defending as a unit
- Sample training sessions you can run with almost any size group
The easy-to-digest format means you can quickly look up drills or tactical advice right before practice. It’s a practical toolkit for busy, first-time coaches who need clear direction and smart solutions.
3. The Soccer Academy: 100 Youth Soccer Drills and Tactics
If you’re working with youth players, this eBook delivers quick tactical wins and age-appropriate exercises. When I first started, I appreciated that the drills are grouped by skill level and cover different styles of play, from possession to counterattacks. This organization ensures you always have the right activity lined up for your team’s needs.
Key Features:
- Detailed diagrams for every drill
- Tactics sections that focus on formation basics and ingame decisions
- Advice on communication and keeping things fun
Having a wide mix of drills prevents sessions from feeling repetitive. The real-world coaching tips sprinkled throughout are especially helpful during your first season, when questions and challenges seem endless.
4. Soccer Tactics 2014: What the World Cup Taught Us
This eBook focuses on tactical lessons learned from the 2014 World Cup. Even though it’s based on a specific tournament, the practical takeaways apply at every level. I found it interesting to see how pros adapt systems midgame and how I could apply some of those ideas to my own team, which was eye-opening during my early coaching days.
What You’ll Get:
- Super detailed analysis of several formations used by top international teams
- Real match examples broken down step by step
- Tips for adapting tactics based on your squad’s strengths
I really like the way this eBook encourages experimentation. Trying out new ideas and adjusting tactics has helped me figure out the right style for my group.
5. Tactical Periodization: The Coach’s Guide
Tactical periodization is about structuring training sessions so your tactics grow more complex as your players improve. This guide explains the method in a straightforward way, making it useful for new coaches who want a clear progression over the season.
Main Sections:
- Building from basic drills to fullteam tactical exercises
- Smart scheduling so you’re not overwhelming players
- Balancing fitness with technical and tactical growth
The roadmaps and planning templates have made my practices more organized. It’s easy to follow, and you get to see real progress week by week as your players get better and more confident on the ball.
6. Top Tips for Choosing the Right eBook as a New Coach
The eBook marketplace is packed with resources, but not all are great for beginners. I want to share some quick things to look out for when shopping around, so you can avoid wasting time or money on guides that aren’t a good fit:
- Clear Diagrams: Books with field diagrams and color-coded plays are way easier to use during practices.
- Sample Drills: Look for eBooks that give you drills for every tactic explained. Theory is helpful, but actionable steps make your job much easier.
- Language: Choose eBooks with simple, direct language and a supportive tone. If you’re new, you’ll benefit from books that avoid technical jargon.
- Real-World Examples: Guides that use ingame examples or break down actual match scenarios help you connect theory with what’s happening on your own field.
- Planner Support: Templates and session planners save time and keep you organized, especially in those hectic preseason weeks.
Careful research helps you avoid buying eBooks that are too advanced, or that skip explanations completely. When in doubt, visit the publisher’s website to check for sample pages or free drills before buying.
Some additional tips: Don’t be afraid to reach out to other coaches for recommendations. Many experienced coaches are happy to share which resources helped them most when they were starting out. Also, coaches forums online often have frank reviews and feedback on the eBooks you’re considering.
7. FAQ: Soccer Tactics eBooks for New Coaches
Are these eBooks good for total beginners?
Yes, every eBook here is chosen for its plain-language instructions and diagrams that make tactics easy for any level. They always keep accessibility in mind, so you won’t get lost in the details.
Can I use these eBooks with youth and adult teams?
Most beginner eBooks focus on youth players, but plenty of the exercises and tactical ideas also adapt well to older teams. Look for ones with a range of drills and age group guidance.
Do I need to buy more than one eBook?
If you’re starting out, one solid tactics eBook is usually all you need. Over time, you might want to add more as your team gets comfortable with the basics or if you start coaching older age groups. It’s smart to pick a book that matches your team’s current skill set.
Are there free eBooks or resources?
Soccer Tutor and some other publishers occasionally offer sample chapters or free drills online. These can help you get a feel for a book’s style before committing. Check their website or social media for these sneak peeks.
Final Thoughts: Using Soccer Tactics eBooks With Confidence
A good soccer tactics eBook can be your secret weapon as a new coach. It’s like having an experienced mentor in your pocket, giving step-by-step support when you really need it. The right guide saves you time, takes the guesswork out of practice planning, and helps your players get the most out of each session with clear, focused advice they can act on right away.
I’ve used these eBooks season after season and found them really helpful when I needed new drills or wanted to shake up my formations. If you want to check out the eBooks I use most, you can find them on Soccer Tutor’s website.
If you’re just starting out, grab a copy of one that matches your team’s level, experiment a bit, and keep notes on what works best for your players. That is how your coaching toolkit and your players’ skills keep growing each season. Remember, learning never really stops in coaching, and the right resources make every practice more rewarding—not just for your players, but for you as a coach too.