Video colossus YouTube isn’t just a procrastinating tool filled with cat videos and cinnamon challenge failures. For soccer coaches and players alike, there are countless streams of useful videos that help you improve as a coach, a player and ultimately, a team.
We’ve waded through the endless distractions on YouTube to find the best soccer coaching content out there- so you don’t have to.
1. ProgressiveSoccer (TheSoccerEssentials)
We’ll start with one of the most renowned channels in this countdown. Progressive Soccer is the lovechild of Dylan Tooby, who took the success of his initial channel "The Soccer Essentials" and emulated it again.
PS provide a variety of content, from match day drills straight from a retro tactics board, to motivational speeches for overcoming psychological barriers, Progressive Soccer have a huge catalogue of videos on all things soccer.
2. FourFourTwo
FourFourTwo are one of the world’s biggest soccer magazines and websites. Alongside all their content on the latest football news and interviews, FourFourTwo have a dedicated Performance platform, containing countless drills and tips for every player on your roster.
A number of FFT’s videos are based around a current star of the game. If it isn’t a personal appearance from some of soccer’s biggest players (examples include Joe Hart’s “How to Save Low Shots”), then it’s a profile on how to play like the pros.
3. Keep it on the Deck
Named after a pillar of the modern game, Keep it on the Deck use a mixture of match day footage and computer simulation to give out pointers on team tactics and individual drills.
Interspersed between helpful hints for tactical mastery, KIOTD include nostalgic clips of individual brilliance from years gone by. There’s also snippets from an interview with Sir Alex Ferguson, who offers advice to both coaches and players on how to become the best.
4. Soccer Drills and Goalkeeping Training
In a game that’s all about goals, stopping them from going in your own net can often be neglected. That’s where Soccer Drills and Goalkeeping Training comes in.
Tailoring almost exclusively to the men between the sticks, SDaGT provides a regular stream of great goalkeeping tips and drills. There’s even a number of product reviews, helping your keeper to pick the best gloves on the market.
5. Online Soccer Academy
Online Soccer Academy houses arguably the most extensive back catalogue of soccer coaching videos to be found on YouTube, with posts dating back over four years ago. Most of the videos star Jared Montz, an ex-pro who now dedicates his life to pointing others in the right direction.
Each video sees Montz, sporting orange shorts, talking players through one of the many intricate details of soccer. Videos vary from wider discussions on player roles on the field, down to the finer details such as when to commit to a tackle.
If you're looking for an even more comprehensive level of coaching riches, then head to our "Top 4 Online Soccer Coaching Resources" blog, detailing the best coaching sites on the net.