Football's Principles of Play

This handbook offers a comprehensive exploration of football's core principles, making Football's Principles of Play essential for coaches and fans alike.

Designed for both coaches and football enthusiasts, Football's Principles of Play serves as an essential guide for those eager to grasp the foundational elements of the game. It begins with a critical inquiry: 'What are the fundamentals of football?' While many publications delve into the methodologies of renowned coaches like Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, and Marcelo Bielsa, a comprehensive text outlining the core principles of football has been notably absent until now.

In this insightful handbook, best-selling author and coach Peter Prickett meticulously dissects the game into its essential components. The book focuses on the two primary phases of play— in-possession and out-of-possession— and explores the five attacking and five defending principles, along with the transitions between these phases. This examination reveals the heart of what makes football captivating and effective.

The principles discussed in Football's Principles of Play have been foundational to coach education for many years, remaining largely unchallenged. As these principles are scrutinized, deeper values emerge, all supporting the ultimate goal of the game: to score. With over 90 illustrations and diagrams, this handbook is a vital resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the game’s fundamental principles.