Soccer iQ - Vol. 2: More of What Smart Players Do Paperback – Big Book, April 8, 2014

Another amazing book by Dan Blank for aspiring players, their parents, and coaches. Insightful and actionable concepts in enjoyable, bite size chapters.

I have the paperback, which including a chapter from one of his other books is 116 pages. The book consists of 49 very short chapters each of which address a specific aspect of playing and coaching soccer. Each chapter is drafted from the standpoint of a coach explaining to the players why they should take a given action in a given circumstance. Each chapter ends with a note to coaches. The chapters express his approach clearly and in easy to understand language.The author recognizes that not all coaches will agree with some of his thoughts on how to approach specific parts of the game. In these cases he suggests that they “agree to disagree” and moves on from the topic..His topics range from the types of kicks to take and those to avoid to when the players should expend extreme energy and when they should not. The range of topics is very broad.My one quibble with the book reflects that the game is very dynamic and the pictures in the book are two dimensional, which to me didn’t always give me a complete idea of the author’s point. That’s more on me than it is on him. I think that if you are a soccer coach with some experience you’ll understand his points.If you’re interested in playing, coaching or just watching soccer, I recommend the book.

I have a teen girl who is very book smart (4.0, excels at cerebral puzzles/challenges, math and science are her favs) and naturally athletic. She plays with a competitive team that travels within the star. (she plays up a year) She said the first book was really good then wanted the second book, too. She said things (game situations, strategies, objectives) made so much more sense and there were great explanations and cool ideas she wanted to go try. So we bought the second and she said it was great, too.I suggested she share them with her brothers, HS soccer players both a bit older, and she was offended. Like I tried to give away her bunny! I reminded her who bought them and they boys would give the books back. Oops, She got mad. Haha. She came back a few mins later and paid me off. She said that if the boys wanted the books I could use that money for them if I wanted and THEY could share the books. Gosh, usually she share books no probs. Well not her FAVs, like Harry Potter, Anne of Green Gables. And Soccer IQ evidently.

Great book on soccer. I also like Vol. 1 better, this one goes more into tactics whereas the first volume had more general facts. Both were interesting and informative. This one was probably beyond the scope our U12 rec girl in many chapters but we both read the entire book and enjoyed it. Dan Black is my favorite author of the dozen or so soccer related books I've read lately.

If you are a soccer fan, then buy this book because it’s worth twenty times the cost. You think volume one was everything but this fills all the empty spots that you could implement into your games immediately.

I read 2 or 3 of these self help soccer training manuals each season. Most are laden with drills and anecdotal information about how to play the game. I picked up Dan's book on a whim and was really surprised. The format is different then most with concise and to the point issues. Its a quick and entertaining read and provides straight to the field advice and solutions. Seems best for the older teams but still valuable for the younger kids coach to catch issues early on so you can address before they become real problems. Be sure and get Vol 1.

This book is a must if you coach or you have a soccer player in your house! Great tips and insight into various soccer strategies from what a goalkeeper should pay attention to, passing situations and tips, and even what to do for a throw in. We have Vol. 1 too. Vol. 1 starts off with simpler strategies and drills. This volume was great for my U14 and U15 soccer players.

Great book for elevating the thinking level for players and coaches. Coach Blank has watched and coached a ton of soccer. His tips and ideas will literally help your teams win games. Easy book to read. I like to read a chapter a day in the two months leading up to a new season.