High-Performance Soccer: Techniques & Tactics for Advanced Play

Paul Caligiuri's soccer talent is surpassed only by his passion for the game. Undoubtedly one of the best and most complete players in U.S. soccer history, Caligiuri has competed in two World Cups and has been a member of the U.S. National Team for 12 years. He was also one of the first Americans to play professional soccer in Europe.

Now in High-Performance Soccer Caligiuri reveals the secrets to success and shows players and coaches at all levels how to maximize soccer skills. Readers will learn about Caligiuri's love for the game and how they, too, can become complete, well-rounded soccer players.

High-Performance Soccer is filled with Caligiuri's insights on the techniques and tactics of soccer as well as those of many of the game's top players and coaches. The book explains the technical keys of

- receiving,
- dribbling,
- heading,
- passing,
- scoring, and
- goalkeeping.

For each skill, Caligiuri presents many of the one-person and group exercises he used as a kid growing up in Southern California. The book also includes lots of games and exercises that can be used in both formal and informal practice situations.

High-Performance Soccer also presents Caligiuri's insights on the inner qualities soccer players need to succeed: how having the right attitude, work ethic, and priorities is just as important for success as speed, skill, and tactical awareness. In addition, the book offers valuable insights on how players can maximize their chances of earning college soccer scholarships.

High-Performance Soccer is filled with technical advice, insightful tips, and practice exercises for players and coaches who want to excel on the field.

Paul Caligiuri, one of the greatest players in U.S. soccer history, is one of only two U.S. players to have earned more than 100 caps. He is also one of the first American players to succeed overseas in the European soccer leagues. In 1986 Paul was the only American picked to play in the FIFA World All-Star Game, and he was named the USA's Player of the Year. In 1988 he earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic Soccer team and started in all three U.S. games played in Seoul, South Korea. The following year, Paul played a pivotal role in the U.S. team's historic World Cup qualifying-round game against Trinidad and Tobago. His magnificent 30-yard, left-footed volley produced the only goal of the game and gave the United States its first berth in a World Cup since 1950.

Paul has been a vital performer for the U.S. National Soccer Team since making his debut in 1984. He was a member of the 1990 and 1994 U.S. World Cup teams, a defenseman on the USA squads that won the U.S. Cup '92 and U.S. Cup '95, and an all-star on the U.S. team that reached the semifinal round of the 1995 Copa America. In addition, Paul was a member of the 1985 UCLA soccer team, which won the NCAA Division I championship game.

Paul is a member of the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer, the new professional soccer league in the United States. When he isn't playing soccer, he enjoys golfing, participating in water sports, and attending youth soccer activities.

Dan Herbst is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Sports Illustrated and Sport Magazine, as well as in such soccer publications as Soccer Junior, the 1994 World Cup Game Program, and '94 World Cup Daily. He has written seven books and has covered soccer as a professional writer since the 1970s. Dan is also a former college soccer player and a nationally licensed coach. In his free time he enjoys watching and coaching soccer, bowling, and golf.