10 Best Soccer Books about Tactical Knowledge: Unveil the Secrets of the Game

Reading Time: 8 minutes

Players, coaches, and fans who want to learn more about soccer must understand strategies. The correct reading material can improve soccer intelligence in our age of instant knowledge. Famous soccer minds’ books reveal the methods and thought processes that have shaped the sport.

These books reveal the underpinnings of modern soccer tactics and the unique systems of play experts have created. From grassroots to elite professional settings, tactical understanding is in high demand. It can change a team’s play by providing theoretical knowledge and practical strategies to outwit opponents.

Key Takeaways

  • Quality soccer books improve tactical understanding.
  • A comprehensive dive into soccer literature shows tactical strategy evolution and application.
  • Coaching and playing can benefit from tactical knowledge.
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The Best Soccer Books To Improve Your Tactical Knowledge

Soccer IQ

Awaken your mental game! Soccer isn’t just about physical prowess—it’s just as much a battle of wits. Boost your on-field intelligence with “Soccer IQ: Things That Smart Players Do, Vol. 1.” Acquire insights into making snap decisions that can change the course of the game.

  • Anticipation: Learn to read the game better.
    • Judge players’ movements.
    • Predict the ball’s trajectory.
  • Positional Awareness: Position yourself advantageously.
    • Create space for yourself and others.
    • Always be in a strategic spot.
  • Effective Communication: Master non-verbal cues.
    • Use eye contact and gestures.
    • Share your game plan without words.
  • Game Tempo Control: Dictate the pace of play.
    • Know when to speed up or slow down.
  • Smart Defending: Outsmart your opponents.
    • Intercept passes.
    • Steal possession smartly.
  • Game Intelligence: Enhance your in-game IQ.
    • Master the psychological aspect of soccer.
    • Learn smart tactics to outplay the competition.

Elevate your game by understanding the finer nuances of soccer. Your ability to think critically and make wise choices on the field is just as important as your ability to kick the ball. Train your brain to be as agile as your feet, and you’ll see the difference in your gameplay. Turn every match into a chess match, with you as the grandmaster!

Soccer iQ Presents… High Pressure: How to Win…
  • Blank, Dan (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 178 Pages – 04/10/2017 (Publication Date) – SoccerPoet LLC…

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Soccer Smarts for Kids

Discover the essential read for young soccer enthusiasts with Soccer Smarts for Kids. Authored by Coach Andrew Latham, this book is your go-to guide for mastering the beautiful game.

Ages Suitable:

  • Ideal for players aged 8 to 12.

Content Highlights:

  • Features 60 critical skills, strategies, and secrets to advance your game.
  • Easy-to-understand explanations perfect for youth players.
  • Advice on goal setting, staying fit, pre-game preparation, and mental fortitude.

Learning Experience:

  • Dive into engaging techniques that cater to various levels of skill.
  • Improve your on-field intelligence with insightful tips and practical exercises.

Illustrations and Diagrams:

  • Comprehensively illustrated to explain tactics like passing, positioning, and more.

Enhance your play with proven methods that have been honed over Coach Latham’s 20 years of experience in coaching. Whether you’re just kicking off your soccer journey or aiming to sharpen your skills, this book is an essential part of your soccer library.

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Remember, whether on or off the field, Soccer Smarts for Kids equips you with the know-how to improve your game and increase your enjoyment. It’s time to take your passion for soccer to the next level!

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Soccer Smarts for Kids: 60 Skills, Strategies, and…
  • Latham, Andrew (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 174 Pages – 02/17/2016 (Publication Date) – Rockridge Press…

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Inverting The Pyramid

Author: Jonathan Wilson

  • Overview: Inverting the Pyramid is a detailed and compelling narrative on the evolution of soccer tactics. Jonathan Wilson, the author, takes you through a journey of how the game has transformed strategically from its early days to the modern era.
  • Why Read It: Gain a deeper understanding of the beautiful game and how it has continuously evolved. It’s a must-read if you’re passionate about the intricate details of soccer formations and strategies.
  • What You’ll Discover:
    • The origins of soccer and how tactical approaches emerged
    • Influential figures in the development of soccer tactics
    • The transition from chaotic early forms to structured systems
    • Global influences on the game’s tactical development
  • Key Takeaways:
    • The book illustrates the shift from the early 2-3-5 “Pyramid” formation to more dynamic systems.
    • Insights into how different cultures have shaped and altered soccer tactics.
    • Examination of iconic matches that signify tactical milestones.
  • Memorable Quote: “Tactics, it turns out, are not just some dry abstract notion.”
  • Get Your Copy: If you’re eager to discover the deep tactical history of soccer from a fresh perspective, you can find Inverting The Pyramid available for your collection.

Jonathan Wilson’s Inverting The Pyramid will equip you with the stories and the knowledge to appreciate soccer’s history and its tactical genius. Savor the rich narrative as you understand the game beyond the 90 minutes on the pitch.

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Inverting The Pyramid: The History of Soccer…
  • Wilson, Jonathan (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 480 Pages – 08/14/2018 (Publication Date) – Bold Type Books…

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Soccer iQ – Vol. 2

  • Title: Soccer iQ – Vol. 2: More of What Smart Players Do
  • Author: Dan Blank

Discover New Strategies: Elevate your soccer intelligence with Volume 2’s in-depth analysis of common mistakes and tactical solutions.

Engage with Accessible Prose: Written in a conversational tone, this book ensures you’ll absorb sophisticated concepts with ease.

Implement Tips Instantly: With its straightforward advice, start improving your gameplay immediately.

  • Key Focus Areas:
    • Positioning & Spatial Awareness
    • Decision Making Under Pressure
    • Creating Scoring Opportunities
    • Developing Defensive Skills

Broaden Your Soccer Horizons: Expand your understanding of the game beyond the basics and develop into a more thoughtful player.

For Whom? Designed for players at all levels looking to gain a competitive edge and think like pros.

Get ready to transform your approach to soccer with insights that will have you outsmarting opponents in no time. Get your hands on Soccer iQ – Vol. 2 and become the player everyone talks about — for all the right reasons!

Soccer iQ – Vol. 2: More of What Smart Players Do
  • Blank, Dan (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 122 Pages – 04/08/2014 (Publication Date) – Soccer Poet LLC…

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It’s a Numbers Game! Soccer

Discover how every pass, goal, and save has more significance than you might think in “It’s a Numbers Game! Soccer”. This enlightening book dives into how soccer is not just a game of skill and strategy but also one of numbers.

  • Understanding Through Mathematics: Learn how geometry helps goalkeepers protect the net.
  • Statistics of the Sport: See how players and teams use numbers to define their success.
  • Historical Insights: Explore how scores and stats have chronicled the evolution of soccer.

Summary:

  • Author: James Buckley, Jr. and Alex Morgan
  • Focus: The mathematical aspects shaping soccer outcomes
  • For: Soccer enthusiasts and statistics fans

In “It’s a Numbers Game! Soccer”, you’ll discover the fascinating world where soccer meets mathematics. The book masterly intertwines math with the sport to explain the perfect goal and sheds light on the calculations behind the most strategic plays.

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Table of Contents Highlights:

  • Chapter 1: Math in the Making of Champions
  • Chapter 2: Statistical Analysis of the Perfect Goal
  • Chapter 3: Calculating the Game-Winning Save

It’s a Numbers Game! Soccer not only introduces you to the mathematical concepts that invisibly underpin the sport but also shows you how these concepts affect the game on the field. Whether you’re curious about the perfect goal or what it takes to deliver a game-winning save, this book connects you deeper with the beautiful game, all through the lens of mathematics.

Embrace the power of numbers and gain a fresh perspective on soccer. It’s not just for math whizzes; it’s for every fan who wants to have a richer understanding of their favorite sport. Get ready to be thrilled by how math intertwines intricately with every dribble, shot, and defensive move.

This book isn’t just for hardcore fans; it’s for anyone curious about the analytical side of sports. It provides a fresh perspective on how everyday math plays a crucial role in the scoring or saving of a game-winning goal.

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It’s a Numbers Game! Soccer: The Math Behind the…
  • Hardcover Book
  • Buckley, Jr. James (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 128 Pages – 12/01/2020 (Publication Date) – National…

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Zonal Marking: From Ajax to Zidane, the Making of Modern Soccer

In “Zonal Marking: From Ajax to Zidane,” you’ll delve into the evolution of European football tactics over the past few decades through the keen lens of author Michael Cox. Cox’s in-depth analysis offers you an exciting vista into how the game you love has been shaped by shifts in tactical thought.

Key Highlights:

  • Dutch Roots: Discover the influence of the Netherlands’ football philosophy, widely celebrated in the early ’90s for its focus on total football.
  • Italian Defensiveness: Understand how the defensive tactics of Italian football dominated Europe with sheer organizational strength.
  • French Flair: Explore France’s international success, revolutionized through its national academy and rise to stardom.

You’ll be immersed in nation-specific chapters that chronicle the tactical innovations and cultural impact of football from various countries, including Portugal and Spain. You’ll learn how Germany’s powerhouse approach has influenced the broader landscape of the game, particularly in the Premier League, where a blend of these diverse tactics now flourish.

By the end of the book, your appreciation for soccer’s strategic nuances will be unrivaled, having gained insight into the fusion of tactics that define the modern game. Whether you’re a casual fan or a tactical aficionado, this journey from Ajax to Zidane is guaranteed to enrich your understanding and stoke your passion for the beautiful game.

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Zonal Marking: From Ajax to Zidane, the Making of…
  • Cox, Michael W. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 448 Pages – 08/13/2019 (Publication Date) – Bold Type Books…

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How To Watch Football: 52 Rules for Understanding the Beautiful Game, On and Off the Pitch

Unlock the secrets of soccer with “How To Watch Football: 52 Rules for Understanding the Beautiful Game, On and Off the Pitch”. This exciting book serves as your comprehensive guide to understanding football, from the grassroots of the game to intricate tactics.

Bullet Point Summary:

  • Learn New Perspectives: Uncover surprising insights into common gameplay elements.
  • Key Concepts: Dive into the fundamental tactics and philosophies shaping modern soccer.
  • Game Analysis: Don’t just watch the ball—grasp what’s happening all over the pitch.
  • Boost Your Football IQ: Elevate your knowledge, whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard fan.
  • Visual Enhancement: Enjoy illustrations that clarify complex topics within soccer.

Filled with practical tips, you’ll begin to see the pitch with a fresh set of eyes. Each of the 52 rules outlined will progressively build your soccer acumen, whether it’s rule one, which encourages you to look beyond the ball, or insights into strategically positioning yourself as a spectator.

This book is more than a guide; it’s a journey through the layers of soccer’s rich strategy and culture. By applying the lessons inside, your experience of watching football will transform, providing you a deeper enjoyment of every match. Embrace the beautiful game in all its glory and become the football connoisseur you’ve always wanted to be!

SALE
How To Watch Football: 52 Rules for Understanding…
  • Hardcover Book
  • The Athletic, TIFO (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 224 Pages – 03/15/2023 (Publication Date) – Particular Books…

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Soccer Mastery: The little things that make a big difference

In “Soccer Mastery,” Chest Dugger reveals practical tips and strategies to enhance your soccer skills. Each chapter is focused on fine-tuning details that collectively make a significant impact on your overall game.

  • Chapter Focus: Discover how tiny shifts in your habits can lead to substantial progress on the pitch.
  • Practical Secrets: Uncover the less-known secrets that pro players use to stay at the top.
  • Strategies for Improvement: Learn strategies that will help you think smarter and play better, increasing your soccer IQ.
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Written for players keen on self-improvement, this book promises tactics that soccer enthusiasts at any level can implement. The author emphasizes the psychological aspect of the game, which is often underappreciated but crucial for those aiming to escalate their game to the next level.

  • Skill Development: Gain insights into mastering various soccer skills through deliberate practice.
  • Habit Formation: Learn how forming positive habits can enhance your game both on and off the field.

By turning the guidance offered in this book into action, you can expect to see noticeable improvement in your gameplay, strategy, and mental toughness. “Soccer Mastery” conveys enthusiasm not only for the sport itself but also for the potential growth that every player can achieve.

Soccer Mastery: The little things that make a big…
  • Dugger, Chest (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 133 Pages – 05/24/2019 (Publication Date) – Independently…

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Soccer iQ Presents… High Pressure: How to Win Soccer Games by Smothering Your Opponent

In Soccer iQ Presents… High Pressure, you’re introduced to the strategic approach of winning soccer games through effective team defense. Author Dan Blank provides a guide on how to apply high-pressure tactics to disrupt your opponents. This book is part of the well-regarded Soccer iQ series, recognized for improving soccer intelligence.

  • Foundational Concepts: Understand the basics of high-pressure defense and why it’s a successful tactic.
  • Strategic Implementation: Learn how to implement these tactics in your team’s training regimen.
  • Practical Applications: The book offers realistic advice to coaches and players looking to enhance their defensive gameplay.

By embracing the methodologies in this book, your team can learn to apply relentless pressure, reducing the time and space available to your opponents and forcing errors. It’s an invigorating read that grips you with tales of tactical ingenuity and inspires you to transfer these lessons onto the pitch.

Whether you’re a seasoned coach or a new player, this book’s insights will help you edge out competition with smothering defense. The detailed breakdowns can transform your team’s defensive performance, equipping you with the knowledge to win more soccer games.

Grab your copy quickly and elevate your understanding of the beautiful game – become a master of high-pressure soccer with this essential guide.

Soccer iQ Presents… High Pressure: How to Win…
  • Blank, Dan (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 178 Pages – 04/10/2017 (Publication Date) – SoccerPoet LLC…

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Soccer Analyst and Publisher at Soccer Blade | Soccer Blade | + posts

Joel is a seasoned soccer journalist and analyst with many years of experience in the field. Joel specializes in game analysis, player profiles, transfer news, and has a keen eye for the tactical nuances of the game. He played at various levels in the game and coached teams - he is happy to share his insight with you.

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Soccer Products FAQ

Can I Use Running Shoes for Soccer? 

You can play soccer in running shoes, but you won’t have the best performance unless you wear cleats or soccer boots.

Why are soccer balls black and white?

Soccer balls are traditionally black and white because when soccer was first shown on TV it was in black and white, so the mix of black and white on the balls helped viewers see the ball easier. 

How hard and what pressure should a soccer ball be?

The FIFA regulations say that the soccer balls should have a pressure between 8.81757 psi (0.6 atm) and 16.1655 psi (1.1 atm). If you’re playing soccer with friends, then opt for a pressure amount from the lower range.

What is the size of goals in soccer?

5-A-Side has dimensions that are 12-ft wide by 6-ft high. Such soccer goals are for under-7 and under-8 soccer games
7-A-Side has dimensions that are 12-ft wide by 6-ft high again. Such soccer goals are for under-9 and under-10 soccer games
9-A-Side has dimensions that are 16-ft wide by 7-ft high. Such soccer goals are for under-11 and under-12 soccer game
11-A-Side or full-size soccer goal has dimensions that are 24-ft wide by 8-ft high for the under-15 and over. Whereas, for the under-13 and under-14, it is 21 ft wide by 7-ft high

What is the soccer ball size and weight for each age group?

Size 1 - 3 years or under - 18 to 20 inches - 195 to 205 grams
Size 2 - 3 to 5 years - 20 to 22 inches - U4 - 250 to 280 grams
Size 3 - 5 to 8 years - 23 to 24 inches - U5 to U8 - 300 to 320 grams
Size 4 - 8 to 12 years - 25 to 26 inches - U8 to U12 - 350 to 390 grams
Size 5 - More than 12 years - 27 to 28 inches - U12 to Pro - 410 to 450 grams


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