Making the Ball Roll: A Complete Guide to Youth Football for the Aspiring Soccer Coach (Soccer Coaching)

Even though this text was written in 2014, resulting in some dated references, the overall content is evergreen. Ray Powers' text is well organized and footnoted throughout, providing additional external sources or points of reference. Powers utilizes his personal coaching experience as well as examples from other coaches to provide a well-rounded perspective on effective coaching with a player-centric methodology.

I purchased this book because I'm a volunteer coach for a local U8 team. This book wasn't very helpful. I got the impression that it was written more for professional coaches of youth club teams. The information in it is very concept-based. I found little in the book that could be practically applied to a practice or game. If coaching were my career, I might feel differently.If your players are serious and want to become professional players, then the information in this book is, probably, very relevant. If you are coaching a local town or travel team, then I'd recommend you look for a different book.Regarding the three stars, I won't penalize a book because it wasn't the right one for my situation. However, I found the book to be very dry and a challenge to get through. I found what descriptions and diagrams there were in the book difficult to follow and understand. On the positive side, the first chapter or two were quite good.

With the wealth of coaching resources available these days, it is difficult to find a ‘go-to’ resource that sums up up coaching youth football. In my opinion, Ray Power’s ‘Making The Ball Roll’ is that ‘go-to’ book and much more. It is extensively covers subjects you may or may not have previously considered as a coach, presenting thought-provoking ideas which anyone with an open mind will greatly benefit from. For a coach who is looking to break free from the traditional, old-fashioned ways of coaching, this book will provide a great transition into the modern mindset of coaching.As someone who has watched football and it’s evolution but only recently entered the world of coaching, this book has reaffirmed my beliefs in the way I would like to see football played. There is no single perfect way of coaching, but this book gives you ideas that you can mix and match to suit your philosophy. This book answered a lot of important questions I had about youth development, especially the difference in approach for different age groups. I enjoyed reading this book and I am planning to re-read it and take specific notes this time as I know what I want to take out of it. I cannot recommend this book enough.

This is one of The best books I have read on coaching youth soccer and I highly recommend as one for any youth coach to add to their collection. Not only is it very informative but it also contains loads of links to other resources as well so the learning and information simply continues. The book is very well laid out and I like the it fact it contains real situational stories to support or give guidance as to how the methodology is applied on the field. I've been coaching a long time and I wish I had this information all wrapped up into one easy-to-read publication years ago. As a DOC of a club I wish I had the budget to purchase a copy for every coach, both professional and volunteer, so they could enhance their knowledge and education of coaching youth soccer. The picture on the book does not do this publication justice as you may think it's aimed at lower level coach/age group of players but it could not be further from the truth.

A fantastic book that really does hit all areas for youth coaching. This will continue to be a great resource and reference book for me though this season and beyond. This may challenge your way of thinking? If that is the case, then the book has done its job! This book will certainly help you become a modern coach if you let it. I can not recommend this book enough for all youth coaches looking to continue with their professional development. I would also recommend this for any club to keep on the shelf and share with parents to continue with their education.

Ray writes an excellent book here. Take it upon yourself to read his views on the modern game and coaching, adjust for your own current guidelines, and you have a recipe for success. The views in his book will jump start this country into proper methods for developing youth soccer talent. Excellent read! Thanks Ray.

A good read for youth soccer coaches at the beginning of their way. Gives a general view on most important topics

As a youth coach I find myself constantly referring to this book throughout the seasons and basically rereading it during the summer. A must have book for any youth development coach.

Really enjoyed this book and have already changed my mindset as to how I can coach more effectively. Rather than focus on individual types of sessions or drills it goes deeper into helping understand the principles of coaching and communicating to young players.Some good real life examples at the end of each chapter.Would recommend this book if you have a decent knowledge and understanding of adult football from playing but need a bit of confidence or inspiration when coaching kids.I am away to read it again!!!

this is my 3rd book on said subject and i am yet to find one that does not drift off into professional football language. what ,i wanted was a book that would help a fledgling coach this gives you a nudge or two but otherwise if you are if you are coaching under 10's down , this wont help. if anyone knows of a book that is biased towards kids football and is for new coaches , please let me know

This is by far the best book on coaching junior football I have read. Great real life examples, clearly structured, but most importantly for me, it is well researched. This book is based on research and the author's real life experience - a winning combination. It's a real shame it isn't still in print.

Got this book as a gift for my birthday I'm originally from Newcastle but now living in Maryland USA. I loved the book from beginning to end. The writer has a depth of knowledge concerning all aspects of soccer and for me covered just about every issue i have ever encountered on and off the field concerning soccer. This is one of those books that as you go through it you think damn I wish i had read this book before i ever got into coaching. I also work as a coaching educator for a state soccer association and I will be adding this book to my recommended reading list to all future students.Ive checked and its available on the USA Amazon site too. In fact I bought a copy from there for my kindle so I can keep referring back to the book when I don't have the paperback with me. Yes its that good a resource of knowledge

Fantastic manual providing knowledge, theory and ideas for coaching football across the phases. Compliment it with Ray's football exercise books and you won't need much else to support you with your coaching! For extra support sign up for his highly recommended Coach Development Programme too.