Football's Principles of Play

Peter Prickett's new book, "The Fundamentals of Football," examines the game's two primary phases, in-possession and out-of-possession, and reveals the underlying heart of the beautiful game. It addresses the five attacking and five defending principles, as well as the transitions between each phase, to provide a must-read for coaches and football fans interested in the theory of football.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 15 March 2021
Publisher: Hawksmoor Publishing

Football is a complex and dynamic sport that requires a deep understanding of its fundamentals to excel. While there are numerous books and resources available on coaching techniques, there is a lack of a comprehensive text that covers the core principles of the game. This book aims to fill that gap by providing a detailed examination of the two primary phases of football - in-possession and out-of-possession - and the five attacking and five defending principles that underpin them.

In-possession football involves controlling the ball and creating scoring opportunities. It involves a combination of technical skills, tactical awareness, and decision-making. The book explores the different types of passes, dribbles, and shots, as well as the importance of maintaining possession and creating space. It also discusses the role of the midfielders in controlling the game and the importance of communication and teamwork.

Out-of-possession football involves defending against the opposition's attacks. It involves a combination of physical and mental skills, such as positioning, marking, and tackling. The book explores the different types of defensive formations, as well as the importance of communication and teamwork. It also discusses the role of the goalkeeper in preventing goals and the importance of set-pieces.

The transitions between in-possession and out-of-possession are critical to the success of a team. The book explores the different types of transitions, such as counter-attacks, transitions from defense to attack, and transitions from attack to defense. It also discusses the importance of maintaining momentum and creating scoring opportunities during these transitions.

In addition to the principles of football, the book also explores the deeper values that underpin the sport. These values include respect, discipline, and teamwork. Respect is essential for creating a positive and inclusive environment, while discipline is essential for maintaining focus and improving performance. Teamwork is essential for achieving success, and the book explores the different ways that teams can work together to achieve their goals.

The book is designed for coaches and football fans interested in the theory of football. It is written in a clear and concise style, and it includes numerous examples and illustrations to help readers understand the principles. The book also includes a section on coaching techniques, which provides practical advice for coaches looking to improve their skills.

One of the key strengths of the book is its emphasis on the importance of practice. The book encourages coaches to practice their skills regularly, and it provides a range of exercises and drills that can help players improve their technical and tactical skills. The book also discusses the importance of mental preparation, and it provides techniques for helping players manage their emotions during matches.

Another strength of the book is its focus on the importance of player development. The book provides a range of exercises and drills that can help players develop their skills and improve their performance. The book also discusses the importance of player welfare, and it provides advice for coaches on how to ensure that their players are healthy and safe.

However, the book also has some limitations. One of the main limitations is its focus on the English football system. While the principles of football are universal, the English football system is unique, and it may not be applicable to other football systems. This can make it difficult for coaches from other countries to apply the principles of the book to their own teams.

Another limitation is the book's lack of coverage of the women's game. While women's football is growing in popularity, it is still not as widely covered as men's football, and the book does not provide a comprehensive examination of the women's game. This can be a significant issue for coaches and players who are interested in developing their skills in the women's game.

Despite these limitations, the book is a valuable resource for coaches and football fans interested in the theory of football. It provides a detailed examination of the two primary phases of football, the five attacking and five defending principles, and the transitions between these phases. The book also explores the deeper values that underpin the sport, and it provides practical advice for coaches looking to improve their skills.

In conclusion, football is a complex and dynamic sport that requires a deep understanding of its fundamentals to excel. While there are numerous books and resources available on coaching techniques, there is a lack of a comprehensive text that covers the core principles of the game. This book aims to fill that gap by providing a detailed examination of the two primary phases of football, the five attacking and five defending principles, and the transitions between these phases. The book is designed for coaches and football fans interested in the theory of football, and it is written in a clear and concise style, with numerous examples and illustrations to help readers understand the principles. While the book has some limitations, it is a valuable resource for coaches and football fans interested in the theory of football.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 188 x 246 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914066016