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The Champion Within
The most comprehensive book on women's soccer ever compiled. Contributions come from every member of the World Cup Champion U.S. Women's National Team, including Michelle Akers, Brandi Chastain, Briana Scurry and a foreword by Mia Hamm.
Paperback
First published August 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 12, 2013
i can not recommend this book highly enough for coaches and for players of any gender who love the game.
i was a high school / club player when i picked this book off the shelf over a decade ago. i read and re-read many of the chapters, incorporated so many of the drills into my training regimen- working with the suggestions within, my skills improved quite a bit. however, by far the most significant and lasting impact it had on me was in teaching me about motivation, teamwork, integrity, patience, personal discipline, and character. (e.g. i printed out the poem at the start of one chapter, attributed to a 1991 teammate- I carried it with me for years!) it meant so much to read the experiences, advice, and encouragement from these women i so idolized! and to learn they were human and faced their share of disappointment.
i hope to coach one day, and plan to look back to A Champion Within when i do.
as a final note, in this book i found a book recommendation for Viktor Frankl's Man's Search For Meaning. the rec came from a coach who suggests it to all seniors on the team, for the perspective it gives. i'd definitely agree!
i was a high school / club player when i picked this book off the shelf over a decade ago. i read and re-read many of the chapters, incorporated so many of the drills into my training regimen- working with the suggestions within, my skills improved quite a bit. however, by far the most significant and lasting impact it had on me was in teaching me about motivation, teamwork, integrity, patience, personal discipline, and character. (e.g. i printed out the poem at the start of one chapter, attributed to a 1991 teammate- I carried it with me for years!) it meant so much to read the experiences, advice, and encouragement from these women i so idolized! and to learn they were human and faced their share of disappointment.
i hope to coach one day, and plan to look back to A Champion Within when i do.
as a final note, in this book i found a book recommendation for Viktor Frankl's Man's Search For Meaning. the rec came from a coach who suggests it to all seniors on the team, for the perspective it gives. i'd definitely agree!
August 2, 2009
This is a great soccer book; sot of a platform for any youth coach of the sport. A real strength is that this book goes beyond tactical and technical and actually explores motivation and work ethic (which often goes overlooked by the license-oriented world of soccer coaching). Another big plus is that the discussion of tactics does not simply give pluses and minuses of systems of play but tells stories of how the US national team evolved over the course of a decade of international play.
The appendix of drills, calendars, and motivational techniques is also very handy.
I think this book, which is as much a reference book as anything, belongs on the desk within easy reach of any soccer coach. If you're newer to the game, you'll take a lot away. If you're more experienced, there are good reminders (especially to start a season) and some new things that can also be picked up upon.
The appendix of drills, calendars, and motivational techniques is also very handy.
I think this book, which is as much a reference book as anything, belongs on the desk within easy reach of any soccer coach. If you're newer to the game, you'll take a lot away. If you're more experienced, there are good reminders (especially to start a season) and some new things that can also be picked up upon.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews