Science and Soccer (3^rd Ed.) Developing Elite Performers

Now in a fully revised and updated third edition, Science and Soccer is still the most comprehensive and accessible introduction to the physiology, biomechanics and psychology behind the world's most popular sport. Offering important guidance on how science translates into practice, the book examines every key facet of the sport, with a particular focus on the development of elite performers. The topics covered include:

• anatomy, physiology, psychology and biomechanics;
• principles of training;
• nutrition;
• physical and mental preparation;
• playing surfaces and equipment;
• decision-making and skill acquisition;
• coaching and coach education;
• performance analysis;
• talent identification and youth development.

Science and Soccer: Developing Elite Performers is a unique resource for students and academics working in sports science. It is essential reading for all professional support staff working in the game, including coaches at all levels, physiotherapists, conditioning specialists, performance analysts, club doctors and sport psychologists.

Preface Biological Sciences 1. Nutrition 2. Principles of Fitness Training 3. Fitness Testing 4. Recovery from Training and Matches 5. Environmental Stress Behavioural and Social Sciences 6. ‘Game Intelligence’: Anticipation and Decision-Making 7. Effective Practice and Instruction 8. Sociological and Cultural Influences on Player Development 9. Stress, Coping and the Mental Qualities of Elite Players Performance Analysis, Biomechanics and Coaching 10. Match and Motion Analysis 11. Coaching and Coach Education 12. Biomechanics applied to soccer skills Different Populations 13. Women’s Soccer 14. Disabled Players 15. Match Officials Talent Identification and Youth Development 16. Identifying young players 17. Growth and maturity status of youth players Intergration and Application 18. Contemporary issues in the physical preparation of elite players 19. Mental preparation of elite players 20. Developing a physiology-based sports science support strategy

A. Mark Williams is Professor and Head of Sport Sciences at Brunel University, London. He has published extensively in the areas related to skill acquisition, expert performance, talent identification and development and performance analysis.