Teaching Soccer Fundamentals (Paperback)

The book has numerous "fun" games with good teaching points... and all this combined to spark recall of a game we played every recess and lunch-hour at school. British coaches may still see it in the playgrounds. We called it "Kick against the wall". (We also played in the evenings under the streetlamps, using the street kerb instead of a wall.) Any number of players... one tennis ball... a decent sized wall... and good wide space. Players take turns in consistent order. First guy shoots at the wall, trying to create the worst possible return angle for the next guy... who returns the favour, if he can, for the next in line. You miss... you're out... until only a winner remains. All one touch.

I introduced the game to my U10s tonight as an indoor warm-up, using size 3 balls. They LOVED it! I placed two long benches against the wall at each end of the large gym.. split the squad and let them play. They started off standing still, back on their heels... but within minutes they were on their toes, anticipating the angle of the ball from the preceding player... hollering, cheering and jeering like crazy. I let it go on longer than planned because I was seeing kids use outside-foot strikes and weak-foot kicks simply because they HAD to get that ball on target. When the clock worked 'round towards the end of practice, the time when we normally split into teams for 3-min 3 v 3 scrimmage games, changing 3s a la hockey shifts, they begged to play "that wall game" again instead. Unheard of!!!

Watching them, the years fell away. Nice to see an "ancient" game still has the magic to turn kids on. And nice to find McAvoy's readable book,. and find my memories in it." <SOURCE> Bryan Pinn, CSA C License, NCCP Level 3, Director of Player Development, Spartacus Athletic, Toronto

<QUOTE>"This book will help a coach develop a good foundation and basic coaching methodology. I recommend it for the coach of the adolescent player." <SOURCE>Jeff Tipping Director of Coaching National Soccer Coaches Association of America

<QUOTE>This is Nelson's 'McAvoyage' of studying and coaching soccer for over 30 years. His passion has taken him to many places and sources in his quest to learn about this great sport. It is what many coaches crave to do and that is find 'their way' reflecting both personality and ideas that dovetail into their world. Open this book and you enter Nelson's world. Enjoy both Nelson and his book. <SOURCE>Graham Ramsey Director, Education and Training, Maryland State Youth Soccer Association Former National Staff Coach for the USSF Coaching Schools

<QUOTE>"McAvoy expresses ideas which are of value to both the novice coach and experienced coach at the highest level." <SOURCE>Richard Broad President, American Soccer Program Soccer Coach, Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA Former men's soccer coach, George Mason University

Nelson McAvoy retired as a head scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and is now involved in what truly brings him joy, helping kids learn the game of soccer. Director of the Potomac Highlands Soccer Club, McAvoy has coached youth soccer in widely different locations, including Eastern Europe, Puerto Rico, and Washington D.C. He is a Scottish Football Association youth and club coach. He has also held a USSF B license for 25 years and holds an advanced national diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Through a step by step procedures, he develops the laces kick, then the inside of the foot push pass as the child learns how to turn their foot.

The book is filled with enough pictures, practice plans, and games to keep your youth team busy and learning in a fun environment.

I would recommend this book for any coach who is looking for the long term development of the youth player.