In 1985 the Dutch Soccer Association (KNVB) examined the youth development policies of the Dutch soccer clubs. They discovered that the training was focused on individual technical skills and fitness. Missing was the use of actual game play to develop players. From this evaluation came a new ground breaking approach that incorporates skill and fitness development within the framework of small sided games- which allows for many touches on the ball for each individual. This book is an updated presentation of those philosophies and training ideas and serves as a guidebook for coaches throughout Holland.

What is soccer; Youth soccer players; Learning how to play soccer; Coaching young players; Reading the game; Soccer Training- a question of playing; Technique in soccer; 4v4; 7v7; GK training; Conditioning; Tasks and functions; Youth players within the club.