Table of Contents

IntroductionFrom Parent to CoachThe Game/Activity ApproachHow to Use This BookWho We Are1. Coaching 101Understanding the Development of PlayersAge-Specific CoachingEssential Concepts: From Theory to PracticeDeveloping a Philosophy of Coaching2. Organizing PracticesThe Three Ls: Lines, Laps, and LecturesInvolving Players and ParentsGetting StartedForming GroupsEstablishing a Practice PlanSample PracticesTroubleshooting ChartQuestions and Answers3. Ballnastic Warm-Up ActivitiesIndividual Ballnastic ActivitiesCompetitive and Cooperative Exercises in Pairs4. Body Awareness Games and ActivitiesIndividual Body AwarenessBody Awareness in PairsSmall-Group Body Awareness5. Maze Games and Activities6. Target Games and ActivitiesAppendixSkills IndexIndexAcknowledgmentsAbout the Authors

About the Author

Tom Fleck is past president of the National Soccer Coaches Association, a senior member of the United States Soccer National Coaching Staff, and a technical advisor to F.I.F.A., soccer’s world governing body. A former general manager of the Philadelphia Fury in the North American Soccer League, he holds a doctor of education degree from Lehigh University and is a certified elementary education teacher. He is currently director of coaching and player development for the Idaho Youth Soccer Association. HOMETOWN: Boise, Idaho



Ron Quinn is head women’s soccer coach and an associate professor and director of health, physical education and sport studies and at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a member of the United States Soccer Federation National Teaching Staff and is considered, along with co-author Tom Fleck, one of the leading youth development experts in the country. He holds a doctorate in physical education, specializing in children’s needs, from Temple University. HOMETOWN:Cincinnati, Ohio