Soccer Techniques, Tactics & Teamwork

Rating:
Summary: Unless you're an amateur coach...
Review: Ok, so the title was mind gripping. It even had the great Beckenbauer's name on it! Written by a well-respected German coach, Gerhard Bauer, nothing could go wrong, I thought as I happily tore it off the bookshelf and spent a cool 12 bucks on a book I never anticipated would make me feel the harsh torture of such disappointment. All kinds of thoughts unfolded as I unwrapped the book from it's carefully-wrapped plastic. I thought of myself emerging as one of the world's most talented players, winning the local league, emerging as top scorer in the Serie A(after AC Milan had bought me), having had coaching from two of the best coaches in the world. Of course, these fantasies swirling around in my head were pure fabrication, and this wasn't going to be a magical book or anything, but how many 13 year olds get an oppportunity like this? It turned out as a good lesson for me. Never get your hopes too high. As soon as I began page 1, I knew I had made a mistake. What it had said on it's cover, Soccer Techniques, Tactics and Teamwork, were only a quarter of what was in the book. Most of it is emphasised on coaching, how to coach, fitness, motivation for coaching and all that. What had been taught to improve yourself as a player, is deeply camouflaged with words of advice for the coaches and all that. Most of it, include techniques which are deisnged to improve your attack or defense, are tactics any Tom, Dick and Harry knows, including the fake, tackle and stuff like that are given more time and explanation than more complex techniques. For some coaches, this book may be sheer heaven, but I really wouldn't put it up for sale to players wanting to improve themselves in the basis of soccer.

Pros: Good for coaches worldwide, a solid introduction for beginners considering taking up football.

Cons: Too much emphasis on coaching, not really a player's self-improvement guide, sort of outdated.