Coaching Skill

Coaching Skill is built on a simple but powerful idea: The fastest path to a skilled, confident soccer player runs through small-sided games: 1v1–2v2. These micro formats put every youth player in constant contact with the ball so they are continually making decisions, continually learning, and continually developing.

The book’s 32 illustrated activities offer clear principles, practice adaptations, and coaching strategies that prioritize player autonomy, intelligent play, and individual growth. And the best part is, these small-sided games need only a small playing area, so they can be practiced just as well in the backyard as on the soccer pitch.

For coaches, this book offers a complete development system that can be adapted to any age and playing ability. Using small-sided games, coaches will set their players up for success by helping them to develop skills to outplay opponents, navigate overloads and underloads, play with teammates, and more.

Whether running a grassroots session or coaching more elite youth talent, this book gives all coaches the tools to create sessions that challenge, engage, and transform.

About the Author

Paul Robinson is a FA level 3 (UEFA B) licensed coach and FA Youth Award holder based in England. With experience coaching players ages 6 to 21, he has worked across the Foundation, Youth Development and Professional Development phases. This has provided him with a deep understanding of long-term player development. His coaching background spans across diverse settings, from American summer camps with wide socio-economic representation and grassroots teams, to girls Regional Talent Clubs and a boys Category 1 Academy, supporting players at the highest tier of youth development in England. Working across grassroots and elite pathways, he brings a practical approach focused on developing composed, confident, and creative players at every stage of the game.