Customer Reviews
Good structured book to start from - By: Griffwhu, 30 Oct 2007 
I found this a good read & certainly gives you a good base to work from.
Well worth any coach from teaching under 14's up to use.
Its ok for beginners but there is better on the subject - By: Mr. C. J. West, 23 Jun 2007 
This book covers a few systems & i like how it shows the system used by professional teams.
Diagrams are easy to follow although I think a book callled "Soccer: Modern Tactics" is far better than this as it covers more systems & interviews with Lippi, Ancelotti etc.
Im sure most people will be able to learn something from this book. The set plays section is good
A very well rounded book. - By: Robert Ryan, 08 Jun 2003 
I am I5 & am aspiring to become a footballl coach so although I did`nt maybe need such a tactical book,at this age, I found this book interesting,informative & such that I learnt about different systems & continetal styles.(In which this had a chapter.) I did have some stumbling points with the writer when he wrote about a sweeper in a back four as I would regard a back four as quite flat. eg: Arsenal ,Adams & the offside trap of the 90`s. The writer Jens Bangsbo ,who is now at Juventus as assistant manager, details famous formations from past Juve & Barca sides to describe particular systems in more detail for the reader. In conclusion this is a book which can educate the reader about different systems & one that describes the defence, midfield & attack. Not a wasted buy & as one of my first coaching books it is one I hold in high regard.
Good introduction to different strategies - By: Mr. Kevin Francis Mole, 12 Feb 2002 This book examines the different strategies & systems used in soccer. What I was looking for is something that examines the merits & demerits of each system in more detail than was present in this book. Good introduction to systems used by Barcelona etc. I may be unrealistic.
A simple and concise manual for coaches starting out - By: gary_clarke@btinternet.com, 20 Apr 2001 The book is well layed out & develops it's subjects well. First explaining the various systems of play - giving examples of internationallly renowned teams that have addopted each system - then adding further coaching tips for each system, for set pieces & for motivational work.
It can be quite simplistic at times, but is ideal for the coach just setting out; who needs to understand the basics, before moving onto more complex ideas & techniques. This is where I felt the book 'hit-the-woodwork' (sorry for the punn) as the authors could have included techniques on one-to-one coaching with the aim of improving a players abilities such as heading, control, passing etc.
The only real minus side for me, was the standard of English, it does let the authors down at times as it can be little difficult to correctly grasp the meaning of a sentence. Otherwise a quality read. Long live the beautiful game!
