The Vision Of A Champion: Advice And Inspiration From The World's Most Successful Women's Soccer Coach

by Anson Dorrance, Gloria Averbuch

Advice & inspiration from the world's most successful women's soccer coach.

Genres: Sports, Soccer

332 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Liam Polkinghorne · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The vision of a champion is someone who is bent over, drenched in sweat, at the point of exhaustion when no one else is watching." Book on soccer coaching by former US women's coach Anson Dorrance who also coached the University of North Carolina to 17 National Championships (in 20 years). Excellence is actually mundane - excellence is accomplished through deliberate actions, ordinary in themselves, performed consistently and carefully, made into habits, compounded together, added up over time. What is true of all the soccer superstars I know is that these were their dreams, not their parents' dreams. In my experience, the best soccer parents more or less let their children do their own thing and are completely supportive, win lose or draw. Having a good team basically boils down to a combination of talent, work ethic and leadership. It is critical that the superstar can figure out a way to make the most average player feel important to the team. Certain individuals with tremendous character, integrity and compassion can hold an entire team together. Two basic criteria determine the quality of the coach: (1) whether you are enjoying the game, (2) whther you are getting better."The will to win is overrated in athletics, because everyone wants to win. It's the will to prepare to win that makes the difference" - Bobby Knight. A key basic is long-term preparation - it comes down to progressive, consistent effort, with a view towards a long range goal. Set standards for the team to follow. Take responsibility for yourself. Decide everyday whether you are a positive life force or a whiner, whether you are going to improve that day or coast.

[Todd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Anson Dorrance is the has more NCAA championships that any other coach yet no one knows outside the soccer world. I read this book to learn about the Competitive Cauldron. I am fascinated about this approach as I love to compete and I feel it brings out our best.

This book was written for the young female soccer player and her parents. Too much didn't apply and thus the two stars.

However, I skimmed through some parts and enjoyed it as a whole.

As a manager there were a few keys points that I hope that I do or that I will implement. I love the Competitive Cauldron concept as a manager's tool to help look at reality. The objective numbers like in sales do not lie. However, the numbers don't always tell a complete story. The scorecard from the Competitive Cauldron allows the coach and the player to sit on the same side of the table to analyze and the attack (from the perspective) of improving the numbers. It is a collaborative, positive approach as opposed to sitting on different sides of the table. Coach and player are working together to beat the numbers. I also admire the interpersonal relationships that Anson has built over the decades.

[Brian O'Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stuff for any coach, but especially for a girls soccer coach.

[William Flautt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for coaches of any sport or level.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not finished the book completely, however, I find it to be very informative and interesting to read. For those who have hopes to play soccer in college and maybe even beyond, this book is a great way to expand your knowledge about soccer on and off the field. It comes with fitness schedules that were created for UNC's women's soccer program as well as lots of their practice drills. This book is well written and has stories about some of the best national team players that Anson himself got to train, so I highly recommend this book.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was recommended at a soccer coach clinic I attended. It's written more for the player than the coach, which I found odd, because what 14 yr old girl is going to be dedicated enough to read a book about how to maximize their soccer career. Still it was interesting and useful in parts, I give it two stars, one for each for the two drills and two excerpts I had specific girls read. That's right...I feel like Phil Jackson

[Tc Flanders]

To all my soccer girls-this is a book I would love for all of my players to read. It allows you to appreciate and love the game even more!! It's one of those books I have re-read!!

[Elizabeth]

Apparently this book talks a lot about women's approach to competition and how it can trip them up. I'm interested to learn more.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome book with a great perspective of the girls game from a coaches point of view. A lot of good ideas and philosophies for coaches as well as players alike.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent!