As coaches we all have a player that we can always count on to perform well (if we’re lucky we have multiple players like that). They may not always be he “man of the match” but boy, you know what you’re going to get from them every match.

Well, in the World of soccer books and videos it’s no different. I think there are a handful of names that no matter what it is, when you see their name, you know that it will be a very good product. 

Here’s SSR’s list of names that, if they are on a book or video, you can count on it being worth a look...

Karl Dewazien: I’ve been recommending his “Fundamental Soccer” books to beginner coaches for over 10 years. Great books including Fundamental Soccer Goalkeeping, Fundamental Soccer Practice, and Fundamental Soccer Tactics.  No one has done soccer books for new coaches so well for so long. I still refer to his books, even today.

Wayne Harrison: Brilliant soccer mind and he puts a ton of useful information in his books. His years of professional and youth experience helps him come up with innovative ideas and fantastic books for intermediate and advanced coaches. Read any of his books- Recognizing the Moment to Play, Game Situation Training for Soccer or his Art of Defending Part 1 or Part 2 – and you’ll be looking for more books from Harrison.

Massimo Lucchesi: For advanced topics, there’s not many that cover it better. Maybe I’m a fan because he was the first to address fine points of the tactical aspects of the game. But if you are an advanced coach you would be well served to add his Transition and Counter Attack, Pressing and Coaching the 3-4-1-2 and 4-2-3-1 books and videos to your collection.

Roby Stahl: You have to know that producing a high quality video that is informative, communicates effectively, and looks good is very difficult. Apparently, no one told Stahl, because he’s done several. Top-notch videos- Striker School, All the Right Moves, and Soccer Speed. If the video says “Roby Stahl” on it- I’m buying it.

NSCAA: The other name that consistently puts out excellent videos. Whether its their Technical Training or Soccer Tactics- the NSCAA produces "must have" soccer instructional videos, especially for the intermediate level coach.

I’ve never met any of these people but if I do, I will say “you do a great job” and “Thanks” (because I’ve never regretted spending money on anything they’ve done).

If you don’t know about SSR’s “Liquid Lists” you should read our primer (or, maybe I should say “disclaimer”).