This book is not designed to break down Ajax's formations and tactics. It is not an in depth tactical analysis of each players roles and responsibilities in the Ajax system of play either. The focus of this book is to provide you with training ground exercises direct from Ajax FC. The exercises focus on the major principles and concepts that Ajax embrace in their style of play. Each exercise directly relates to the "Ajax Training Model" that fits with "Ajax's Game Model". The exercises in the book cover the four phases of the game: attacking transition, attacking organization, defensive transition and defensive organization. As a club Ajax is known for their technical proficiency, quality of possession, fluent attacking style of play and the interchanging player positions. Ajax can play this style of soccer because of the total development of the players they produce. As a testament to the Ajax training method; the club has consistently produced world-class players over the decades along with winning of top championship trophies! The sessions in the book include counter-attacking, possession, crossing and finishing, passing patterns, defensive organization and the using rules and conditions to bring about desired outcomes (problem solving). The exercises will have your team training like Ajax and through time playing like Ajax (training model = game model). I would strongly recommend that you also read my book "Tactical Periodization: Made Simple" in order to get a greater understanding of how to organize and create a training system like the ones the top clubs in the world use. I hope you find the exercises rewarding!

Ajax.

Ajax is perhaps the earliest of Sophocles' tragedies, yet the issues at its heart remain profoundly resonant today. Set in the Greek encampment during the siege of Troy, it traces not just the story of a respected war hero's mental breakdown but (like Sophocles' Antigone) the treatment of an enemy's remains and the management of his memory. Pitting the fate of the individual against not just his own community but the cosmic world of the divine, it explores questions of loyalty and power, compassion and control, integrity and political expediency – and ultimately what it is to be human. In Antiquity the fate of Ajax fascinated writers and artists alike. Today it has assumed a new importance with Sophocles' play being used to help treat military veterans suffering from PTSD. This collection of 12 essays by leading academics from across the UK, US and Ireland draws together many of the themes explored in Ajax, from how Sophocles exploits audiences' awareness of mythology and visual arts, to questions of politics and religion, staging and characterization, changing perceptions of the heroic, and the therapeutic use to which the play is put today. The essays are accompanied by David Stuttard's introduction and performer-friendly, accurate and easily accessible English translation.

The methods and philosophies of the coaches at one of the most successful Clubs in the history of European soccer. The current Manchester United manager made a name for himself in the world of football while at dutch super club Ajax Amsterdam. This book chronicles his time in charge there with unprecedented inside access to the methods and philosophies that produced not only championship teams but also world class players.

The British sportswriter goes inside some of Europe’s best soccer clubs—from Bilbao to Bavaria and beyond—to reveal their winning secrets. In The European Game, Daniel Fieldsend travels across Europe to discover the methods for success used at some of the continent’s biggest Football clubs—from Ajax, Juventus and Benfica to Bayern Munich, A.C Milan, Lyon, Athletic Bilbao and many more. At every stop, Fieldsend pulls back the curtain to reveal what makes each club tick, speaking to everyone from scouts and academy coaches to first team managers, analysts and board members. Insightful, ambitious and compelling, The European Game is about more than just a game. It’s about community, identity and attachment. It explores leadership, tactics, coaching and scouting as well as politics, finance, fandom and culture. Celebrating the uniqueness of football clubs around the continent, it also investigates whether their methods can be replicated in other domestic leagues.

Mabhuti lives in the Cape and loves watching Bafana Bafana, especially his favourite player, Steven Pienaar. He dreams of one day also playing for the national team so he starts a training diary to help him reach his goal. Along the way he learns more about the life of his hero and all the hard work that goes into being a professional soccer player.

Dive into "The Beautiful Game: Unveiling the Passion, Evolution, and Future of Football," a captivating journey through the heart and soul of football. This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the game’s rich history, its profound impact on cultures worldwide, and the exciting innovations shaping its future. From the electrifying moments of legendary matches to the personal stories of passionate fans and pioneering players, this book reveals why football captivates billions. Discover the evolution of the sport through historic milestones, delve into the strategies behind football’s greatest teams, and witness the global impact of football as a cultural and social force. But this isn’t just a walk down memory lane. "The Beautiful Game" also looks forward, examining the future of football with a keen eye on emerging technologies, the growth of women’s football, and the role of the sport in addressing global challenges. Join us as we uncover the transformative power of football, exploring its role in shaping communities, inspiring change, and creating opportunities for the future. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the game, this book offers insights and stories that celebrate the magic of football and its place in our world.

The book presents an insight into football development and every aspect of it is comprehensively covered with a special focus on grassroots football. Back to the Roots illustrates in detail the player development process, underlining and envisaging key aspects required for the successful and sustainable player development pathway. It highlights the importance of football in schools and training academies for young talent. The author, being associated with the game and its development for many years, presents a road-map for making football an integral part of the school education system. With an emphasis on the role of leadership in football development for bringing in a change or developing the game from every aspect, this book is a must read for everyone involved with the beautiful game – be it budding players, administrators, fans, policy makers, parents, coaches as well as young and old enthusiasts of the game.

When Gerard Houllier took over as manager of Liverpool FC in 1999, his quest was to bring glory back to Anfield. His prime concern lay with strengthening his defence and to this end he made what is arguably one of his finest signings. Houllier targeted Sami Hyypiä, a relatively unknown player who was at the time captain of the Dutch team Willem II. This candid biography focuses on Hyypiä's eventful journey from the Finnish village of Voikkaa to the heights of the English Premiership, where he has become the inspirational leader of the Liverpool team. It charts his life from childhood and documents his astonishing rise in the game, from youth teams to Finnish senior sides Pallo-Peikot, KUMU and MyPa - as well as his international career - before moving on to his years in Holland and England playing for Willem II and Liverpool respectively. Hyypia reflects on past games in which he competed against the likes of Batistuta, Rivaldo, Van Nistelrooy and Henry, and recalls the Liverpool derbies in which he's played. He also shares his thoughts on the Reds' 2001 UEFA Cup campaign, in which they defeated the mighty Barcelona in the semi-finals before going on the defeat Deportivo Alavés 5-4 in the final to clinch the coveted trophy. In 2001-02 season, during which the team had to contend with the serious illness of their manager, Hyypiä led them to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and second place in the Premiership. Then, in season 2002-03, Liverpool won the Worthington Cup and narrowly missed out on a Champions League place. Featuring exclusive contributions from numerous former and current colleagues and teammates, including Gérard Houllier, Jari Litmanen and Michael Owen, Sami Hyppiä digs deep to reveal all about the man, his views on the game, and his hopes and plans for the future.

"A personal portrait of the forefront European soccer star traces his early years with Ajax, the award-winning achievements that have made an indelible mark on Spanish soccer and his post-World Cup contributions as a coach and team advisor, "--NoveList.