Coaching Books for Christmas 2017

I’ve picked up a couple of great coaching books in 2017. Improving my knowledge of the game is one of the most important things I try to do every week.

There is plenty of lessons you can learn from the best coaches in the world and apply to your sessions, even at grassroots level.

Here’s a couple of of my favourite coaching books from this year:

1. No Hunger in Paradise by Mike Calvin

Sportswriter Mike Calvin documents the world of the Academy Setup in England and looks at what it takes to become a professional footballer.

In this book Mike looks at how hard it really is to become a professional footballer, what environment awaits the brightest players and paints a frank picture of how many players ultimately forge a career in the game.

Buy No Hunger In Paradise: The Players. The Journey. The Dream on amazon.co.uk

2. The European Game: The Secrets of European Football Success by Daniel Fieldsend

This is a great concept for a book, football fan turned author Daniel Fieldsend takes a trip around Europe visiting clubs from Lisbon and Bilbao to Amsterdam and Munich.

The book looks at how Europe’s best teams educate their young players and looks at the cultures created in order to consistently compete at the top of the European game.

Buy The European Game: The Secrets of European Football Success on Amazon UK

3. Modern Soccer Coach 2017 by Gary Curneen

Originally released in 2014, I’m regularly going back to this book for my weekly session planning.

The book is packed full of really good activities, focusing on everything from warm-ups, transitions, counter-attacking and possession.

Omagh native and good friend Gary Curneen has since published follow up books on Position-Specific Training and Pre-Season Training, both also worth a look!

Buy The Modern Soccer Coach 2014: A Four Dimensional Approach on Amazon UK

4. Pep Evolution

The follow up book to Pep Confidential by Marti Perarnau which takes an in-depth look at Pep Guardiola’s tenure at Bayern Munich.

Get an insight into Pep’s philosophy and how it has evolved from his time at Barcelona to his career in Bavaria.

One of my favourite coaches of the modern game, a great character and a master of the game.

Buy Pep Guardiola: The Evolution on Amazon UK

5. Until Victory Always: A Memoir by Jim McGuinness

Jim McGuiness is currently coaching Football in China with Beijing Sinobo Guoan, he’s come a long way from coaching his Native Donegal to All-Ireland Football success in 2012.

In the book Jim gives an account of how he analysed and ultimately neutralised a great Dublin team with an impressive tactical display.

It caused some controversy when published but from a coaching point of view there are some excellent stories included.

Buy Until Victory Always: A Memoir on Amazon UK

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I’ve a few books on my reading list for 2018… if you have any recommendations please send them on!