If you’re on the hunt for ways to boost your soccer coaching game, adding a great book or two (or six) to your toolkit can make a huge difference. Over my years coaching youth, adult pickup, and competitive leagues, I’ve leaned on coaching books for everything from go-to drills to the little mindset shifts that inspire players to show up and give their best. The right resource can simplify your sessions, help you handle all kinds of player personalities, and unlock your own confidence as a coach.
Here’s a closer look at my favorite soccer coaching books that have helped me—and coaches I know—transform training sessions year after year. Some focus on technical skills, others on game tactics or building team culture. If you’re ready to mix things up or sharpen your coaching style for 2025, these picks are worth checking out. I’ll break down the main highlights of each, why they stand out, and who they work best for.
Guide Title: Top 6 Soccer Coaching Books To Transform Your Training Sessions (2025 Guide)
Focus: Soccer coaching resources, session planning, team and individual skill development
Where to Buy: Most picks below are available on Amazon, but many local bookshops carry them too
Average Price: $12–$30 per book
My Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Best For: Coaches at all levels, including beginners, youth, high school, and adult rec
Key Features Across Picks: Practical drills, session plans, real-world examples, and advice you can actually use at your next practice.
Free Sample Chapters: Some authors like Tony Carr and Dan Abrahams offer free sample sections or Q&As online—definitely worth a look if you aren’t sure which book to grab first.
Why Soccer Coaching Books Still Matter In 2025
It’s easy to think most new soccer knowledge is online, but there’s something really helpful about a well-written book, especially when you want both big-picture strategies and detailed session ideas right at your fingertips. Books are super useful when you need an off-the-grid option or want to unplug from screens while prepping for a session. The best coaching books don’t just give you drills or generic tips. They come packed with tried and tested methods and little nuggets of wisdom from seasoned coaches who’ve actually done the tough work on the field.
For new coaches, these books can take the mystery out of practice planning and help you avoid the classic overwhelm of “where do I even start?” For experienced folks, there’s always a fresh drill variation, alternative style of feedback, or a new approach to building your team’s mentality. Even after years of coaching, I’m still learning something new every time I flip through one, especially when I’m stuck or needing to spark some fresh ideas. Books also allow you to step away from digital distractions, making your preparation more focused. The tactile experience of turning the pages and marking up your favorite sections can make the learning process feel more personal and memorable. Plus, many of these books include bonus content, such as printable templates and season-planning checklists, which are perfect for organizing your thoughts and keeping track of your team’s progress as the year goes on.
About This List
Choosing these six books, I drew on recommendations from coaching buddies, feedback from other coaches at clinics, and my personal stacks of dogeared, scribbled-in manuals. I wanted picks that balance practical, easy-to-apply tips with deeper strategy—books that you’ll keep coming back to. I also looked for books relevant in 2025, including updated editions that fit today’s youth, high school, and adult amateur scenes.
- Every book has plenty of drills, tips, or practical advice.
- Each one is genuinely readable—you don’t need a sports science degree to follow along.
- I’m sharing where each book works best (age group, team level, or specific challenges).
- Links and resources included for easy follow-up.
Top 6 Soccer Coaching Books For Better Training Sessions
So, here are my top picks for this season, with short reviews and hands-on advice for each one. I’ll highlight the style, what to expect, and how they’ve helped me (or another coach I know) make training more engaging and effective.
1. “Coaching Soccer For Dummies” by National Alliance For Youth Sports
If you’re just getting started with soccer coaching, this is probably the most accessible book out there. I grabbed a copy in my first season working with a mix of 8–11 year olds. It covers basic rules, age-appropriate skills, building your own sessions, and tips for managing parents, plus a bunch of diagrams for drills you can take straight to practice.
Key Highlights:
- Breaks down rules and field positions simply, good for explaining to kids or brand new players
- Step by step practice activities, most using minimal equipment
- Tips for communication, keeping kids motivated, and handling “tricky” behavior
Best For:
- Absolute beginners and coaches of U6–U12 teams
- Parent volunteers thrown into the coaching gig
- Coaches who want a one stop reference they can flip open before practice
Why I Recommend It:
- Even after years of coaching, I’ll thumb through this book when I’m blanking on ideas or need to simplify a complex skill for younger kids. Its tone is friendly and never patronizing. For any new coach, this book will clear up your main early questions and help you actually enjoy the process.
2. “The Soccer Coaching Bible” by National Soccer Coaches Association of America
This one is a collection of wisdom from over 30 top coaches, grouped across essential soccer themes. If you like getting different perspectives and love hearing how real-world coaches make decisions, “The Soccer Coaching Bible” is really valuable. I’ve pulled ideas from these pages for everything from improving small sided game play to set piece organization.
Key Highlights:
- Addresses everything: tactics, fitness, motivation, match prep, working with assistants
- Chapter-based format makes it easy to zone in on what you need
- Tons of attention to building team culture and managing real life coaching hurdles
Best For:
- Intermediate coaches, high school teams, or anyone who wants a broad overview
- Those who like learning from stories and point-by-point advice from experts
Why I Recommend It:
- This book gave me a ton of confidence stepping up from youth rec coaching to working with older teens and adult teams. Each chapter has its own personality, so you get all sorts of views on training, handling team drama, or pushing players to the next level. I’ve flagged chapters to revisit during preseason planning, especially when building new training routines or taking on new teams.
3. “Soccer IQ: Things That Smart Players Do” by Dan Blank
This book is like an inside look at all the small choices that smart, savvy players make. Instead of traditional drills, it’s packed with quick, practical “game smarts” tips—a goldmine for team talks or teaching game awareness. Even my players have borrowed my copy during bus rides to tournaments.
Key Highlights:
- Short, readable chapters focused on one “soccer IQ” at a time
- Advice covers everything: better positioning, quick free kicks, reading opponents, trusting your instincts
- Funny and blunt, keeps things from feeling too technical or dull
Best For:
- Coaches working with players ages 12 and up
- Teams prepping for serious tournaments or playoffs
- Players and coaches who want clever ideas for improving decision-making
Why I Recommend It:
- I tuck this in my equipment bag and use the tips as quick lessons in between drills or at halftime. My players have picked up cool tricks on reading passes, defending on corners, and staying sharp under pressure. For coaches, it’s the stuff you realize you wish you’d known as a young player, all in one place.
4. “Coaching Youth Soccer: The Guide for Coaches and Parents” by John P. McCarthy
This guide is great for those working in recreational or beginner leagues who want to focus on fundamentals and keep seasons fun. The drills, organized by skill (passing, shooting, defending), are easy for kids and parents to follow. It’s helped me structure week-to-week progress for teams with a wide range of skills.
Key Highlights:
- Step by step guidance for skills, explained in plain language
- Progressions for turning basic drills into small sided games
- Advice on keeping player attitude and teamwork front and center
Best For:
- Youth teams, especially U8–U14
- Parents and first-time assistant coaches
- Anyone looking for readymade session plans to fit busy lives
Why I Recommend It:
- When you’re coaching kids, balancing development with keeping practice fun is a challenge. This book nails that, offering drills and advice that get kids moving fast, make learning enjoyable, and prevent burnout. Its parent-centered sections are pretty handy for explaining the basics and encouraging support at games.
5. “Soccer Tough: Simple Football Psychology Techniques to Improve Your Game” by Dan Abrahams
Mental skills are getting more attention in 2025 than ever, and Dan Abrahams makes sports psychology simple and practical. This book outlines mental tricks and mindset boosts you can use at practice or right before kickoff. While it’s written for players, I use his advice to shape pre-game team talks and to help kids bounce back from mistakes.
Key Highlights:
- Easy to grasp mental strategies to stay sharp in games or tough moments
- Stories and examples from real players at different levels
- Tons of actionable advice for building confidence, focus, and resilience
Best For:
- Coaches of all ages, but especially teens/young adults
- Any coach or player who struggles with nerves, motivation, or game day pressure
Why I Recommend It:
- Mental blocks and confidence issues aren’t just for elite players; youth and adult rec teams struggle with them, too. This book shows how simple mindset habits can change the way your players show up. I’ve used tips straight from these pages for penalty shootouts, handling tough losses, and even boosting practice energy on rough-weather days.
6. “The Complete Soccer Coach” by Mick Critchell & Dave Smith
This newer title is packed with drills, session blueprints, and planning tools for everything from basic technique up to pretty advanced tactical play. I appreciate how it blends old school basics with new styles of play for 2025. The book even covers switching between in person and virtual sessions, a relevant topic for coaches needing flexibility.
Key Highlights:
- 200+ drills, clearly illustrated with notes on common mistakes and fixes
- Sections for goalkeeping, conditioning, attacking/defending patterns
- Includes seasonal planning tools and templates
Best For:
- Club level and high school coaches
- Anyone managing multiple teams or looking for structured season plans
- Coaches ready to build their own sessions from scratch with step by step support
Why I Recommend It:
- Having so many drills in one place is really useful for planning out themed sessions or prepping for a week of practice. The book guides you from warmups to more complex activities and even includes advice on tasking your assistants. It’s updated for the current game, so you won’t get stuck with outdated drills or training routines.
What To Look For When Choosing A Soccer Coaching Book
Picking out the “right” coaching book really depends on where you are in your coaching adventure and what you want to accomplish in your next season. Here are the key things I keep in mind (and recommend thinking about before you hit “buy”):
- Age/Skill Level: Some books focus on youth and beginner drills, while others dig into advanced tactics for older players. Make sure the content matches your team.
- Type of Coaching: Are you a parent coaching a Saturday league, a high school JV coach, or running adult rec training? Pick advice and drills aimed at your situation.
- Practicality: The best books are the ones you’ll actually use, not just collect dust on the shelf. Look for lesson plans, checklists, diagrams, and specific instructions, not just theory.
- Updates & Relevance: Soccer trends keep changing. Books updated for 2025 will include insights on virtual learning, flexible practices, and today’s common challenges.
- User Reviews & Recommendations: Check what other coaches say about a book. Honest feedback from folks in similar roles can help you avoid options that look good but don’t deliver in real life.
Extra Tips For Using Soccer Coaching Books
- Don’t feel like you need to read every chapter in order; skip around to the drills or advice you need most.
- Tab or flag favorite drills for fast reference before or during practices.
- Bring books or cheat sheets to games. Halftime and downtime are great moments for sharing new tips or tests from “Soccer IQ” or “Soccer Tough.”
- Mix bookbased activities with your own style; personalize drills to fit the team’s favorite games or skills.
- Share useful chapters or lessons with assistant coaches, parents, or even athletes. Sometimes the advice is just as valuable for them.
How Soccer Coaches Actually Use These Books
One thing I’ve learned is that every coach adapts books differently. Here’s a peek into how I, and coaches I’m friends with, actually use our favorite soccer books:
- Stuck on practice planning, I’ll lay out a book like “The Complete Soccer Coach” and pick a warmup and two game-specific drills. Saves tons of brainstorm time each week.
- A buddy of mine, working with U10s, uses “Coaching Soccer For Dummies” as a backup: if a drill flops, he has two alternate activities bookmarked and ready.
- For more competitive players, “Soccer IQ” and “Soccer Tough” help with quick “motivation moments”—sharing a two-minute tip before a scrimmage or at the start of a session goes a long way.
- When building a season plan, I’ll use templates from newer books to block out technical weeks, “fun” weeks, or themed sessions (like finishing, defending, or set pieces).
Honorable Mentions & Bonus Resources
There’s never just one magic book. A few others worth checking out if you want to dig deeper this year:
- “Coaching Outside the Box: Changing the Mindset in Youth Soccer” by Paul Mairs and Richard Shaw – Focuses on whole-player development and encouraging creativity.
- “Youth Soccer Drills” by Jim Garland–Handy for a big drills bank, super practical for assistants and helpers too.
- “Making the Ball Roll” by Ray Power–Detailed on session design and player development, suits ambitious coaches stepping into higher level teams.
Online forums: Try Soccer Coaching Pro or Soccer Coach Weekly for more free drills, discussion, and advice. Mixing a favorite book or two with reliable online resources is a powerful way to stay sharp all season.
How To Get The Most From Your New Coaching Book
- Set a goal for one new activity, tip, or drill per session—no need to reinvent everything at once.
- Reflect after each week: what worked, what didn’t? Many books include checklists or notes sections—use them to adapt next time.
- If your players love a drill, mark it to revisit every few weeks. Familiar favorites keep sessions positive.
- Rotate books through assistants or even lend to parents; the new ideas multiply quickly when you share them around.
Wrapping Up: Why I’m Still Recommending Soccer Coaching Books In 2025
With technology, YouTube, and plenty of fancy apps, you might wonder if old-fashioned coaching books are still worth your time. In my experience, they’re more valuable than ever. Books force you to slow down, rethink your approach, and pick up ideas you might overlook when just scrolling social media for drills.
I’ve seen coaches, parents and pros alike, build confidence and spark more fun for themselves and their teams with just a handful of solid resources. Whether you want to keep things organized, inspire your players, or just look for fresh drills to shake off the usual routine, these six books deliver practical, easy-to-use value each week. Pair them with your own coaching style and online ideas, and you’ve got a recipe for stronger, more excited teams, plus a lot less stress for you as the coach.
Quick Reference Table: 2025 Top 6 Soccer Coaching Books
| Title | Best Use | Recommended Skill/Age Level | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coaching Soccer For Dummies | Beginner rules & drills | U6–U12, parent coaches | Easy breakdowns, diagrams, behavioral tips |
| The Soccer Coaching Bible | Strategy, team building | Youth–high school, intermediate coaches | 30+ coach insights, culture-building advice |
| Soccer IQ | Game intelligence tips | 12+, all levels | Quick tips, practical game awareness |
| Coaching Youth Soccer | Practice planning, fundamentals | U8–U14, rec coaches | Session plans, teamwork, parent advice |
| Soccer Tough | Sports psychology, confidence | Teens–adults, all levels | Mental strategies, stories, actionable ideas |
| The Complete Soccer Coach | Drill library, session blueprints | High school, clubs, organized leagues | 200+ drills, planning tools, advanced tactics |
Still Not Sure Where to Start? My Personal Picks
If you’re a total beginner, “Coaching Soccer For Dummies” is hands down the most approachable option. For more in depth support or coaches working with competitive or older players, jump into “The Soccer Coaching Bible” and “Soccer IQ”; they’ll keep you thinking and adapting for seasons to come.
Questions about picking the right soccer coaching book, or want a recommendation for your particular age group/league? Feel free to drop your query below, and I’ll be happy to share my thoughts!
Good luck coaching, your next season’s training sessions are about to get a whole lot better!