This book is so great! I spotted in it a thrift shop, but I didn't want to take it home because I have so many other unread books in my house. I picked it up and put it back several times, but I ended up buying it because I was just getting into following my local professional soccer team (DC United) and wanted a book which would enhance my knowledge of the tactics used in soccer. Boy, did I ever pick the right book!

This is a very slim volume written by the coach of a women's college soccer team. He wrote this book as a guide for other soccer coaches. Each chapter, usually just a page or two, describes a different situation and how soccer players should, but often do not, respond in the best way. There are chapters for such situations as defending the penalty kick, playing against a killer wind, play from a spot, the world's dumbest foul, and many, many more. Each chapter describes what to do and what not to do in a very humorous way, making the whole volume a delight to read. Some of the chapters describe in just a few words exercises that a coach can use to work on improving soccer technique related to the situation described.

I know that this book was intended for use by soccer coaches, but it has made me a much more observant soccer viewer. Now I'm on the alert to see if players are using the techniques described in this book correctly or not. It's great fun for me to watch this during a game!

Although I hate to do this as it will add to my growing collection of books at home, I feel this book needs to be part of my permanent book collection. It's a skinny book...so that should be okay. :) ( )