Introduction
Coaches in our community regularly share book recommendations. Here are the ones that come up most often - the books that genuinely change how coaches think and practice.
The Essential Reading List
1. Intensity by Pep Lijnders
“Incredible book so far. Love Lijnders and Klopp’s approach to training, man-management and football. Simply outstanding.”
Lijnders’ inside look at Liverpool’s training methods. How elite teams build intensity, how sessions are designed, how culture is created.
Key Takeaway: Training intensity should mirror match intensity. Create game-realistic pressure.
2. The Coach’s Guide to Teaching by Doug Lemov
“Quite simply the best book I’ve read for helping to understand how players learn and how to teach them. It’s a game changer for how you deliver training sessions.”
Applies educational research to sports coaching. How to explain, demonstrate, and check for understanding.
Key Takeaway: “Teaching is knowing the difference between ‘I taught it’ and ‘They learned it.’”
3. Making the Ball Roll by Ray Power
“I’m reading ‘Making the ball roll’ and it has been a real eye-opener at times - it has certainly made me think.”
Practical possession-based football philosophy with clear implementation guidance.
Key Takeaway: Possession isn’t about keeping the ball. It’s about creating opportunities.
4. The Golden Age of Player Development
“I showed it to one of our other coaches on Monday at training and he said ‘the club should buy us all a copy.’”
Age-appropriate development across the pathway. What to focus on at each stage.
Key Takeaway: Different ages need fundamentally different approaches.
5. 2v1 by Various Authors
“Finally finished 2v1 and I really enjoyed it! I like the way the book breaks things down in simple terms. Love the training ladder concept.”
Breaking down the fundamental overload that appears everywhere in football.
Key Takeaway: Master the simple, and the complex becomes possible.
6. Mind Games by Various Authors
“This book has helped me as a coach to improve the mental aspect of the players. Helpful for those players whose mental game is keeping them from making the next step.”
Psychology for coaches. Understanding player mindset and developing mental resilience.
Key Takeaway: Technical ability without mental strength limits player potential.
7. Inverting the Pyramid by Jonathan Wilson
Tactical history of football. How systems evolved and why.
Key Takeaway: Current tactics aren’t inevitable. Understanding history reveals possibilities.
8. The Barcelona Way by Damian Hughes
Culture creation lessons from Barcelona’s most successful era.
Key Takeaway: Environment shapes development more than individual coaching interventions.
9. Legacy by James Kerr
The All Blacks’ culture and what sports teams can learn from sustained excellence.
Key Takeaway: “Sweep the sheds” - character and humility underpin success.
10. Coaching Youth Football by Various Authors
Practical grassroots-specific guidance often missing from high-level coaching books.
Key Takeaway: Youth coaching isn’t simplified adult coaching. It’s a different discipline.
How to Read for Development
Active Reading
Don’t just consume. Note ideas. Plan implementation. Try things.
One at a Time
Finish a book before starting another. Let ideas settle.
Discuss with Others
“They’re all worth a second watch. I think you pull something different from them every time.”
Same applies to books. Discussing with other coaches deepens understanding.
Implement Something
For every book, identify one thing to try. Books without action are entertainment, not development.
Building Your Library
Start with one or two from this list. As you finish, add more.
Share recommendations with your coaching community. Different perspectives highlight different value.
Conclusion
The best coaches are readers. They steal ideas, adapt concepts, and continuously evolve their approach.
Books are the cheapest coaching development available. A £15 book can change your entire philosophy.
Start reading. Start growing.