Coaching & Analysis books you HAVE to read

Reading books is a great way to be introduced to new ideas and learn all sorts of new skills. Although you also have podcasts and audiobooks these days, a physical book is still a great tool for learning.

You can find books on any topic, and I think that is an important point to make. Although you may be looking for books on coaching and analysis, you may want to broaden your horizon to books that focus on things like leadership and communication, both highly important characteristics of a successful coach.

In this week’s newsletter, I have put together a list of 10 books which will act as a great foundation for your sporting knowledge, and self-development.

Soccernomics - (Simon Kuper)
Soccernomics is a fascinating exploration of the hidden forces that shape the world's most popular sport. Using data and insights from economics, psychology, and statistics, Kuper challenges many of our assumptions about soccer and offers new perspectives on topics like why England always loses penalty shootouts and why Brazil produces so many talented players.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or just a casual observer of the game, Soccernomics is a thought-provoking and engaging read that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of soccer. Click the image below to buy/learn more.

Football Hackers - The Science & Art of a Data Revolution (Christoph Biermann)
Football Hackers is an in-depth look at how data analytics has revolutionised the world's most popular sport, from player scouting and game tactics to fan engagement and sports betting. Biermann combines interviews with industry insiders, data scientists, and football experts to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of data analysis in football.

Whether you're a football fan curious about the latest trends in the sport, or someone interested in the intersection of data science and sports, Football Hackers offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of football. Click the image below to buy/learn more.

Thinking Fast and Slow - (Daniel Kahneman)
Thinking, Fast and Slow is a ground-breaking exploration of how the human mind makes decisions, offering a compelling argument that we have two separate systems of thinking, one fast and intuitive and the other slow and deliberate.

Drawing on decades of research in psychology and behavioural economics, Kahneman shows how our thinking is often flawed and biased and offers practical insights into how we can overcome these biases to make better decisions.

Whether you're interested in psychology, economics, or simply want to gain a deeper understanding of how your mind works, Thinking, Fast and Slow is a thought-provoking and informative read that will challenge your assumptions about decision-making and leave you with a greater appreciation of the complexities of the human mind. Click the image below to buy/learn more.

The Numbers Game - (Chris Anderson)
The Numbers Game is a fascinating exploration of how data analytics has transformed the world's most popular sport, offering insights into how teams use statistical analysis to gain a competitive edge and make smarter decisions.

Anderson and Sally draw on a wealth of data and real-world examples to provide a compelling overview of how data analysis has changed the way we think about football, from scouting and player development to tactical analysis and game strategy.

The Numbers Game is a must-read that will challenge your assumptions and deepen your understanding of the beautiful game. Click the image below to buy/learn more.

The Expected Goals Philosophy - (James Tippett)
The Expected Goals Philosophy is an insightful and accessible introduction to one of the most exciting advances in sports analytics: expected goals (xG).

Tippett explains how xG can be used to measure the quality of scoring chances in football, offering a more nuanced and accurate view of a team's performance than traditional stats like goals and assists. The Expected Goals Philosophy offers a compelling case for why xG is revolutionising the way we understand the game of football. Click the image below to buy/learn more.

Astroball: The new way to win it all - (Ben Reiter)
Astroball is a gripping account of how the Houston Astros went from being one of the worst teams in baseball to winning the World Series in just a few short years, thanks to a revolutionary approach to team building and player development.

Reiter follows the team's journey from the early days of scouting and data analysis to the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and training methods, showing how the Astros used data-driven insights to identify undervalued players and build a winning team culture. Click the image below to buy/learn more.

Intensity - Inside Liverpool FC - (Pep Lijnders)
Intensity is an inspiring and insightful look at the inner workings of one of the world's most successful football clubs, Liverpool FC, from the perspective of assistant manager Pep Lijnders.

Drawing on his experience as a coach and his deep understanding of Liverpool's playing style and philosophy, Lijnders provides a behind-the-scenes look at how the club builds a winning culture, both on and off the pitch.

Whether you're a Liverpool fan interested in the secrets behind the club's recent success or simply someone interested in the art of coaching and leadership, Intensity offers a compelling and informative read that will leave you with a greater appreciation for the game of football. Click the image below to buy/learn more.

Inverting the Pyramid - (Johnathan Wilson)
Inverting the Pyramid is a ground-breaking history of football tactics, tracing the evolution of the game from its earliest days to the modern era, and examining how tactics have shaped the way the game is played.

Wilson provides a detailed analysis of some of the greatest coaches and teams in football history, exploring how they innovated and adapted their tactics to achieve success.

Inverting the Pyramid is a must-read that will challenge your assumptions and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the beautiful game. Click the image below to buy/learn more.

The Chimp Paradox - (Prof. Steve Peters)
The Chimp Paradox is a self-help book that offers a unique and powerful framework for understanding and managing the complex workings of the human mind.

Dr. Peters draws on his experience as a psychiatrist and sports psychologist to provide practical insights into how we can overcome negative thought patterns and emotions and improve our mental performance in all aspects of life.

Whether you're an athlete looking to improve your performance, a business professional seeking to better manage your emotions and relationships, or simply someone interested in the power of the human mind, The Chimp Paradox is a fascinating and informative read that will leave you with a greater understanding of how your mind works. Click the image below to buy/learn more.

Pep Guardiola: The Evolution - (Martí Perarnau)
Pep Guardiola: The Evolution is a comprehensive and fascinating account of one of the greatest football coaches of all time, tracing Guardiola's rise from a promising young player to a dominant force in football management.

Perarnau provides a detailed and intimate portrait of Guardiola's coaching philosophy, examining his methods, tactics, and strategies and showing how he transformed some of the world's biggest clubs into dominant forces on the global stage.

Whether you're a football fan interested in the tactical innovations that have shaped the modern game, or simply someone looking for inspiration from a master of their craft, Pep Guardiola: The Evolution is a must-read that offers insights into the mind of one of the greatest football coaches of all time. Click the image below to buy/learn more.

So, how many of the above have you read? Maybe get a couple added to your wish list for future reading.

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

PS. Since writing this post, I have created a collection of 75 must reads books if you have an interest in sports analysis, coaching, data viz and personal development. You can get a copy of that list right HERE.

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