The Soccer Coach's Blueprint

Jason Carney's "The Soccer Coach's Blueprint" offers a refreshing perspective on soccer coaching that extends far beyond tactical formations and training drills. Drawing from his rich experience in both English and American soccer environments, Carney bridges the gap between professional and grassroots coaching philosophies.
The book's greatest strength lies in its focus on decision-making frameworks. Carney, instead of offering a universal approach, equips coaches with flexible methods that they can tailor to their unique circumstances. This flexibility makes the book valuable for coaches at any level, from youth development to competitive leagues.
What sets this book apart is its emphasis on long-term development over quick fixes. Carney recognises that establishing a robust team culture requires more than just making a few adjustments and moving on. Instead, he guides readers through the process of creating sustainable systems that foster both individual growth and team cohesion.
The author's background as a UEFA-qualified coach who's worked in both the structured English system and the more diverse American soccer landscape gives him a unique vantage point. He successfully translates high-level coaching concepts into practical applications that work at the grassroots level, making complex ideas accessible without oversimplifying them.
However, readers should note that this isn't a book about tactical formations or specific training exercises. Instead, it focuses on the foundational elements of team building and coaching philosophy. Those looking for detailed practice plans might need to supplement this reading with more technically focused resources.
The writing style is straightforward and practical, though at times the book could benefit from more real-world examples to illustrate key concepts. Carney's approach to challenging coaches to step outside their comfort zones is commendable, but some readers might wish for more concrete examples of how to implement these challenges in their daily coaching practice.
One of the book's most valuable contributions is its emphasis on measuring success beyond win-loss records. Carney encourages coaches to focus on player development, team culture, and long-term impact – metrics that often matter more than match results, especially in youth development settings.
For coaches struggling with team dynamics or looking to establish a more structured approach to their programme, "The Soccer Coach's Blueprint" provides a solid foundation. It's particularly valuable for those transitioning from playing to coaching or moving up to more demanding coaching roles. 
While the book successfully delivers on its promise to provide a blueprint for building strong team culture, it's worth noting that readers will need to actively engage with the material and adapt it to their specific circumstances. This isn't a passive read-and-implement guide, but rather a framework that requires thoughtful application.
"The Soccer Coach's Blueprint" stands as a valuable addition to any soccer coach's library. It fills an important gap in coaching literature by focusing on the often-overlooked aspects of team building and culture development. While it may not answer every question a coach might have, it provides the tools necessary to find those answers independently.
For coaches serious about creating lasting impact in their players' lives and building programmes with strong foundations, Carney's blueprint offers a practical and thoughtful roadmap to success.

Published: 1 Sept. 2018
Language: English
File size: 9.5 MB
Text-to-Speech : Enabled
Screen Reader: Supported
Enhanced typesetting: Enabled
X-Ray : Not Enabled
Word Wise: Enabled
Print length: 210 pages