THINKING BIG by Rodrigo Arias
188 pages
The theme of this book is analyzing the game models and playing philosophies of four coaches who have demonstrating a consistent ability to overperform at smaller clubs in the biggest leagues, using unique tactical ideas to help compensate for their lack of financial recourses in the transfer market. Brendan Rogers at Leicester, Erik Ten Hag at Ajax, Julian Nagelsmann at Leipzig, and Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta.
Buildout play, organizing the attack, and behaviors in the finishing zone, as well as defensive behaviors without the ball are all analyzed in-depth using still images and video links from actual game footage.
Although three of these coaches have since moved on to different clubs since this book was published, this volume is still a fascinating insight of what it takes to “punch above your weight” in the world’s most important leagues, an ability that does not always translate into proportional success when these types of coaches inevitably move on to the bigger clubs themselves.
Recommended for tactically minded coaches and students of the game
Available at: LibroFutbol Retail price: $29.90
PLAYING WITH THREE CENTERBACKS by Andres Bretones
168 pages
This book is an in-depth study of how to play with a three-man back line, with a treasure trove of details on the roles and responsibilities of the players, tactics for the buildout, creation, and finishing phases with the ball, and guidelines and advice for defending against the 4-4-2 formation without the ball.
Lots of little details are addressed, such as how to determine the height of the first (defensive) line when in possession, the differences between building out with 1 or 2 central midfielders, how to employ the wingbacks, the third- and fourth-man concepts, and much more.
The book culminates with series of recommended training activities including functional rondos, conditioned real situations, and combined actions to help put theory into action.
This book is a great resource for intermediate and advanced level coaches and students of the game.
Available from: LibroFutbol Retail price: $27.90
ATTACKING FROM THE BACK by Davide Zenorini
106 pages
Attacking From the Back is a coaching manual that examines both the theory and practice of building attacking play from the defensive third.
The first portion of the book covers the basics theory of playing out of the back, including team structures, the positioning of the players, player rotations, the occupation of space, and advancing from the buildout phase to the buildup and finishing phases. The option of building the game through longer passes to the wingers and center forward is also addressed.
The second section of the book gives a comprehensive overview of how to build out in the face of a variety of different pressing strategies and behaviors from the opponent.
The final section of the book is a series of progressive training activities that will allow you to put your newfound knowledge into practice.
This is a great book recommended for all coaches who don’t want their players just hoofing the ball out of the back.
Available from: LibroFutbol Retail price: $21.90
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